A unique research study in Norfolk, which has been running for 20 years, has celebrated hitting a landmark milestone.

The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC-Norfolk) was started by the University of Cambridge in 1993 and recruited more than 25,000 people who filled in questionnaires and took part in health checks.

The fourth phase of the huge study, which was launched in September, has now measured its 1,000 volunteer, which concentrates on the changes in lean and fat tissue that occur as people get older, and what factors might influence these changes such as physical activity and diet.

Officials from the university praised the dedication of Norfolk volunteers who have been involved in important studies into cancer and the results of the research have been used in a host of papers, including 'healthy living can add 14 years', 'time spent watching television predicts mortality' and 'eating breakfast is good for you.' All of the volunteers are aged between 55 and 95 years.

Prof Nick Wareham, director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) epidemiology unit at the University of Cambridge, said: 'We are extremely grateful to the Norfolk residents who have been involved in the EPIC Study over the past 20 years. EPIC participants are an enormously dedicated group of research volunteers and we are continually amazed by the response received at each stage of the study.

Kathy Tungate, who lives in Sprowston, and takes part in the study, added: 'I feel that any research must be of great advantage for everyone in the long term, as it is because of former research results that we are able to enjoy the quality of life that we do.'

For more information, visit www.epic-norfolk.org.uk