Norfolk's emergency services are gearing up to play their part in delivering a safe and secure Olympic Games this summer.

The county's fire brigade, police and ambulance service have put a strategy in place to cope with the Olympic Torch Relay visit in July.

All three are also on stand-by to provide 'mutual aid' during Games time.

Norfolk's police force, like many others up and down the country, has plans to reduce annual leave, postpone training and make increased used of the Special Constabulary to maximise the numbers of officers available during the busy summer, helping to provide policing in Norfolk and to support the national operation for the Games.

Chief supt Bob Scully said: 'We will be policing local events such as the Olympic Torch Relay and other cultural celebrations and along with every force across the UK, we will provide officers on mutual aid to support the national operation.

'At this time, planning continues and we do not have figures as to our contribution. We will be reimbursed the full costs of these officers from the Olympic security budget.

'We are committed to playing our part in the biggest ever policing operation, keeping the Games safe and continuing to provide a service to our communities, while also maintaining resilience to deal with emergencies.'

Meanwhile, the East of England Ambulance Service has up to 40 members of staff from the eastern region who volunteered to cover the mountain biking and canoe slalom events which are taking place in Essex and Hertfordshire and to provide mutual aid to the London Ambulance Service.

Norfolk's fire brigade has a team in place to ensure all firefighting operations will continue as normal during the Olympic Torch Relay visit, while plans during the Games are yet to be finalised.

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said: 'In terms of the Olympics themselves, normal mutual aid arrangements will apply for both our fire and rescue resources and national resilience assets, such as our Urban Search and Rescue Team.

'It is right to say that planning is still ongoing and we continue to talk to colleagues at a regional and national level.'

Have you got a story about the Olympics? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326.