A disused Victorian sewage pipe teeming with marine life has become the focal point of the North Sea's first snorkel trail.

Eastern Daily Press: Dawn Watson by the first public snorkel trail in the North Sea, just off the Sheringham coast. Picture: Rob Spray/Geoff Robinson PhotographyDawn Watson by the first public snorkel trail in the North Sea, just off the Sheringham coast. Picture: Rob Spray/Geoff Robinson Photography (Image: Rob Spray/Geoff Robinson Photography)

Divers Rob Spray and Dawn Watson unearthed the iron pipework off Sheringham earlier this year and decided it would make an ideal snorkel site for holidaymakers and explorers.

The trail, the first in the region, stretches 50 metres into the water and includes ropes, life buoys and information signs, to guide beginners and help divers explore the ancient chalk reef below.

Mr Spray, who discovered the pipe when a colleague spotted it on Google Earth, said it was a 'really beautiful' place to experience.

He said: 'There's the creatures you'd expect being off the north Norfolk coast, so lots of crabs and some lobsters as well as lots of small fish, seaweed and sponges.

'But as you go along there are beautiful colours - deep reds and greens. It's great.'

He said there had been interest in having a similar trail set up in Cromer, with hopes of one day having a network around the coast.

'The last thing you want is to have a completely isolated attraction,' he said. 'If a few places are keen on having something similar then you are really starting to promote snorkelling. It's also then something that people can come for the weekend to do.'

Suggestions for the trail, which is freely accessible to the public, so far include working with local schools.

'One of the nicest ideas people have had is speaking to schools and children,' Mr Spray said. 'It could be an opportunity to learn about the wildlife and see how it all changes.'

The pair have spoken to local fishermen and the RNLI to get them on board with the trail, which has the backing of North Norfolk District Council, and there will be safety agreements in place next year.

Though it is up and running, Mr Spray said he expected the trail to start attracting divers during the warmer weather.

• Do you know of an unusual business to attract visitors to the region? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk