People have been warned of heavy traffic as thousands of worshippers are set to visit a religious site in Norfolk.

The annual Tamil Walsingham Pilgrimage will take place on Sunday (July 9) which brings thousands of people from the Tamil community to the rural Norfolk village.

Worshippers will be travelling to visit the Shrine of Our Lady, an important landmark among Catholic groups around the world.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Walsingham's Shrine of Our Lady is an important destination for a number of religious communities around the worldWalsingham's Shrine of Our Lady is an important destination for a number of religious communities around the world (Image: Newsquest)

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Routes to the pilgrimage will be clearly marked and roads into Walsingham along the A1065 and A148 towards Fakenham, and the B1105 towards Wells-next-the-Sea, are likely to be congested.

The event coincides with high numbers of people also expected to be visiting beaches due to the warm weather and also a triathlon event at Holkham Hall will have an additional impact on the roads.

Norfolk Police has urged anyone not attending the pilgrimage to avoid the area and find other routes.

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Fakenham & Wells Times: Outside the shrineOutside the shrine (Image: Newsquest)

People have also been urged to be careful not to get caught out by the tide on Wells beach as walkers can often get cut off from the shore. 

High tide is at about 11.20am on Sunday with low tide at 5.20pm.  

People should stay well away from any channels or creeks that could fill with water behind them up to four hours before high tide hits.

Beach-goers should return to the main beach before 7.20am and 8.20pm.

A siren will sound around four hours before high tide as a reminder.

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Fakenham & Wells Times: People have been warned to take care on Wells Beach over the weekendPeople have been warned to take care on Wells Beach over the weekend (Image: Denise Bradley)

Chief Insp Jason Selvarajah said: “Officers have been working with various agencies and organisers in the run-up to the day when we will have a visible presence working to keep people safe.

“We are expecting thousands of people in Walsingham for what is a highlight in the Tamil community’s calendar.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and have a wonderful day out, and ask that everyone follows the guidance around traffic and water safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.”