How would you describe Fakenham?

Chris Hill

IF Norwich is “A Fine City”, then how would you describe Fakenham?

According to two students who have won a design competition to promote their market town, the answer is: “Bloomin' Lovely”.

The slogan accompanies a stylised image of a seedling growing into a flower, which was the work of two graphics students at Fakenham High School.

It will be printed onto 1,000 recyclable jute bags and sold to promote the town alongside eco-conscious messages about recycling and supporting local fresh food producers.

Earlier this year, the Fakenham Area Partnership (FAP) won lottery funding to produce the bag in an ongoing campaign to “bin the plastic bag” and encourage a more environmentally friendly way of shopping.

About 20 students from a Year 10 design and technology class volunteered to take part in a competition to produce the bag's

logo.

The winning design, decided by a poll at a number of community meetings and events, was created by Naomi Martindale, 15, and Maddie Darrell, 14.

“The slogan came first,” said Maddie. “We thought about Fakenham as bloomin' lovely, and the bag was supposed to be natural so we made it about plants and crops. It will make us feel proud to see it on the bags when people start using them.”

The finished bags are expected to be ready by the end of June to be sold through farmers' market stalls, community events, retailers and tourist information centres.

FAP co-ordinator Janet Holdom said: “One of our many goals is to get the message across about sustainable living and supporting local producers, as well as trying to promote the idea of Fakenham as a visitor centre and a place we are proud to live in and grow up in.

“This is a recyclable bag to replace plastic carrier bags and reduce the level of plastic waste going to landfill and ending up as litter.

“It's great to send these messages with young people. They have a different take on things, and it makes us all look at things differently.”