Chris Hill High-tech treasure hunters are being sought in Fakenham to try out the global craze of “geocaching” during the half term holidays.The worldwide phenomenon, which has grown in popularity during the last decade, involves the use of satellite navigation devices to locate and log hidden “caches”.

Chris Hill

High-tech treasure hunters are being sought in Fakenham to try out the global craze of “geocaching” during the half term holidays.

The worldwide phenomenon, which has grown in popularity during the last decade, involves the use of satellite navigation devices to locate and log hidden “caches”.

Fakenham's Salvation Army captain Margot Walford got hooked about a year ago and now wants to start a geocaching group in her home town.

Mrs Walford is looking for a group of 10-15 people to lead to concealed treasures around the town at historical sites or in the countryside.

“I think it would be great for families and people looking for something to do with their kids during the half term,” she said.

It is estimated there are almost a million active caches buried around the world. They usually comprise a waterproof box containing a logbook and a pencil, but can also contain small toys or trinkets for the finder to trade and leave other treasures for the next recipient.

“When I was on holiday, I found one on a mountain in France, one in the courtyard of the Louvre and one round the corner from the Eiffel Tower,” said Mrs Walford. “They are all over the place.

“I just like finding something that other people would just walk past without even knowing it existed.”

The experience is open to all ages, although under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Mrs Walton said participants would not need their own GPS system, although they were welcome to bring car sat-navs if they accepted coordinates.

The group will meet at The Salvation Army Hall on Oak Street at 1.30pm on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 February. For more information or to confirm a place, call Margot Walford on 01328 862029.