Organisers of this year's Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail are celebrating its success after attracting more than 3,000 visitors.

Eastern Daily Press: A visitor admiring Andrew Maule's totem at the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail. Picture: Courtesy of Nicky Stainton.A visitor admiring Andrew Maule's totem at the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail. Picture: Courtesy of Nicky Stainton. (Image: Archant)

The trail, which was in its fourth year, was part of 'Celebrate Waveney and Blyth 2017', an annual programme of events that highlight the unique character of the two valleys situated in north Suffolk and south Norfolk.

Following three successful years at the River Waveney Trust site in Earsham, this year's trail was held at the The Raveningham Centre.

Curator Sarah Cannell said: 'We had very positive feedback about the new setting and the quality of the work on display, with many people coming on the recommendation of family or friends, and many making more than one visit.

'Over 60 artists had work on display as part of the sculpture trail, in the pop-up Cinnamon Gallery or in the Harleston and Waveney Art Trail exhibition in the Ravenous Café on site. I am delighted to say that 35 of them sold examples of their work, with sales totalling more than £12,000.'

Eastern Daily Press: Sam Newson's reaper at the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail. Picture: Courtesy of Nicky Stainton.Sam Newson's reaper at the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail. Picture: Courtesy of Nicky Stainton. (Image: Archant)

Nicky Stainton, chairman of Waveney and Blyth Arts, added: 'The enthusiasm of both the artists and visitors was infectious. We were overwhelmed by the response. 'Following its success last year we again invited visitors to cast a vote for their favourite artwork on the sculpture trail and 1,930 visitors of all ages did so. It was a great talking point, with families and groups having animated discussions about which they liked best and why.'

The overall winner of the People's Choice Award was Rachael Long with her impressive life-sized rhino. Both she and Lindsay Slade, winner of the Curator's Choice Award, were awarded a £400 cash prize.

Liz Cannell, who, with her husband Malcolm, run their businesses from the site and hosted the trail, said: 'It was a huge amount of work to prepare the site for the trail, and we are very grateful to the many artists who joined us to help carry out the work, but it was certainly worth it. We had fantastic comments about the attractiveness and suitability of the location for showing outdoor work. We are looking forward to working with Waveney and Blyth Arts on starting planning for the 2018 sculpture trail.'