Norwich may have had its gorillas and elephants, but Lowestoft has welcomed its own animal invasion.

Fourteen multi-coloured turtles have arrived in Lowestoft – with the metre-long artworks unveiled as part of a turtle trail through the town.

From today (Saturday, August 2), and running throughout August, the fibreglass turtles have taken up residence in their new surroundings of shops and businesses as part of a summer trail initiative aimed at boosting tourism.

The trail has been funded and developed by the town's Business Improvement District (BID) Lowestoft Vision, with the giant turtles – including one dressed in Lowestoft Town Football Club's kit – now located in various shops and buildings that run from Royal Plain on Lowestoft seafront to the town's historic High Street.

Darren Newman, Lowestoft Vision's BID manager, said: 'This fantastic reptile may be used to the climate of North America and Australia. However the Lowestoft turtles have braved the north sea to enjoy a traditional British holiday in our wonderful town.

'Each turtle has been individually designed to celebrate Lowestoft's heritage and culture along with special guests including a Mr Punch Turtle, Princess Turtle and Ninja Turtle.'

And now the call has gone out to locals for people to turn turtle detective and discover the locations of the turtles.

A fun, interactive map has been designed to assist with uncovering the locations and the secret letter marked on the front left foot of each of the 14 turtles.

Everyone taking part should collect and record the 14 letters to solve an anagram and identify the secret seaside phrase. Each completed entry form will be entered into a prize draw to win £500.

The trail is being launched today with Heart FM in the town centre until 2pm, and a Punch and Judy show running at Royal Plain at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.