Families from across Broadland explored the great outdoors on their doorsteps today through a morning of specially arranged activities.

Dozens of mums, dads and youngsters flooded the grounds of the Hautbois Activity Centre near Coltishall to try their hand at den building, mud painting, making bird feeders and fairy villages and cooking bread on a camp fire.

Delighted children also enjoyed face painting, story telling sessions and a scavenger hunt.

The outdoor fun was organised by Norfolk County Council via the Hoveton and Broadland Children's Centre, in a bid to encourage families to explore what their local environment has to offer and to promote the district's parks and woodlands.

Shelagh Hutson, council chairman, joined the families during the activities.

She said: 'Outdoor learning has been my key theme during my year as chairman because I feel very strongly that we should make the most of the fantastic countryside, woodland and waterways Norfolk has to offer.

'The outdoors is a wonderful classroom for children and their families, providing opportunities to explore the sciences, arts and language as well as capturing children's creativity and imaginations.'

And the al-fresco activities proved to be a hit with youngsters, with staff from the centre receiving some 'lovely feedback' from those who took part.