Thousands of cyclists enjoyed a picturesque, if windy, cycle through Norfolk's landscape as they took part in the fourth Richardson's Tour de Broads event.

Around 2,500 participants joined yesterday's ride, which saw cyclists chose from one of four routes around famous Norfolk attractions.

All four races started at the former RAF Coltishall base, and saw cyclists choose either 9.5, 40, 76.4 or 100.5 mile courses.

The events began at 8am, and the final rider finished at 6.55pm.

Helen Rainbow, who, with a team of people from Pedal Revolution, organised the event, said: 'The thing that struck me was how friendly everybody was. Everybody had a smile on their face.

'Our staff were amazing. I think you would have to go a long way to find a cycle shop, particularly an independent cycle shop, that could pull something off on this scale.'

She said that, because of the windy conditions, some riders decided on the day to take a shorter course than the one they had originally signed up for. She added that some participants said they found the last three miles the most difficult.

'I think it's because they had been out in the countryside and then came back to the venue, and that's when you think you have done it, and they saw the sign saying 'three miles to go',' she said. 'A few people said those last three miles were really tough.'

The event has grown each year, with around 700 cyclists taking part in the first event, 1,200 the following year, and 2,100 last year.

This year's designated charities were Macmillan Cancer Support and Love the Broads, although cyclists were welcome to ride for their own chosen charities as well.

Ms Rainbow said that, although it was a recreational event, and this was the first year it had not used a timing system, there were still some people who came in 'very, very quickly'.

Cyclists passed through towns and villages including Reedham, Ranworth, Horning and Filby.

To see more photos from the event, visit eveningnews24.co.uk