The first Broads Outdoors Festival, which saw hundreds of people lace up their outdoor footwear for a visit to the national park, was a roaring success, organisers have said.

Visitors to the festival, held over nine days between May 7th and 15th, enjoyed hiking, cycling and canoeing in spectacular countryside, the Broads Authority said.

The canoe taster sessions proved extremely popular, with 254 people going for a paddle in one morning compared to just 40 at a similar event last year.

Over 60 events were held in total, including archery and canoeing.

Bruce Hanson of the Broads Authority said the festival was a great start for what will be an annual event.

"I am very pleased with how it went," he said.

"The people who came along thought the events were fantastic and we have got a very firm foundation to build on."

Norwich City footballing legend Jeremy Goss opened the festival with a 25-mile cycle ride starting from Whitlingham Country Park.