The county's newest paddle launch site is set to open this weekend at Stalham Staithe after a new floating pontoon was installed.

This allows for a safe entrance and exit out of the River Ant for those in kayaks, canoes or paddleboards, while putting the town on the map for paddle sport.

Stalham mayor Kevin Bayes, himself a keen kayaker, came up with the idea last year in an effort to make it safer for people to take part in the sports on the Broads.

Norfolk Paddle Meet Up was started in 2020. (Image: Darren Reeve)

He said: "It is a beautiful part of the Norfolk Broads and this is something that can be used all year round."

"We will not charge for people to use the facility which is also the great thing about it."

Darren Reeve, a paddle sport coach, has been working on this project with Stalham Town Council and Mr Bayes.

"It's been lovely to be apart of it and working together with the town council," he said.

"It has been brilliant."

Mr Reeve started a group online called Norfolk Paddle Meet Up in 2020 - which he said has become "like a family" - while working alongside the Broads Authority and Paddle UK.

He added: "It has brought the experienced paddlers together with the beginners."

The new paddle launch site is at the Staithe in Stalham. (Image: Darren Reeve)

He hopes the new feature will bring more paddlers to the area to use the local shops and tourist attractions during their visit.

The pontoon site does not offer any boards or kayaks to hire, but it is rather designed for those who already have the equipment.

The official opening is on Saturday, April 11 at 10.30am next to the Museum of the Broads. There will be parking available on the site for £5.

© Eastern Daily Press