The chief executive and leader of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) took to their bikes to demonstrate their backing for a new cycling festival taking place at Holkham next month.

The council's chief executive Sheila Oxtoby and leader Tom FitzPatrick rode through Holkham Park to show their support for the Pedal Norfolk festival with festival organiser Peter Flett last Thursday.

The council is one of the two main sponsors of the event, along with Adnams.

Mr FitzPatrick said: 'I am delighted NNDC is supporting the very first Pedal Norfolk at Holkham in May.

'Norfolk loves cycling and we are looking forward to a fantastic event that I am certain will bring many new visitors to enjoy the delights of north Norfolk, will provide a significant boost to the local economy and which will help to further raise the profile of the district as a place of beauty and sporting excellence for many years to come.'

The Pedal Norfolk festival will be over three days from May 4-6 with a number of different rides and routes every day to test all abilities and ages.

Experienced riders will be able to test their fitness with 100-mile routes while families wanting to take a more leisurely route will be able to do so in the scenic setting of Holkham Park or around the area.

Mr Flett, who lives in Burnham Thorpe and runs Fatbirds cycling shop in Hunstanton, said: 'I got the idea for this after taking part in a cycling festival in France three years ago, which was great fun.

'It's not so much about competition as it is people getting out and enjoying themselves. The scenery here is absolutely magnificent.'

There will be camping facilities at the festival with showers and toilets on site and food and drink in the park.

There will be lots of family-friendly activities taking place at Holkham on the day.

Full details of all the rides, facilities and other information can be found on www.pedalnorfolk.co.uk