More than 100 people turned out in support of north Norfolk's first parkrun event today.

The free run at the National Trust's Sheringham Park kicked off at 9am this morning with more than 80 runners taking part.

The idea behind the five km run is that it is not a race against other runners, but is open to everyone regardless of age or ability and will see individuals trying to beat their own times each week.

Chris Brown is one of the organisers and volunteers and said the event had drawn people in from all over the country.

'There have been people from afar come and join us,' he said.

'And it is still in the very early stages but we are very pleased with the turnout.'

Parkrun offers an opportunity for the local community to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the park and to get physically active.

Nick Clarke is from Active Norfolk, one of the County Sports Partnerships created by Sport England, and has also helped to launch the event.

He emphasised that parkrun is community owned, entirely voluntarily lead and is a 'fun and friendly' event.

He added: 'Parkrun is for everyone and the turnout for north Norfolk's first ever one has been fantastic - it's phenomenal.

'It's not just for elite runners but also walkers and we couldn't do it without the volunteers who help us each week.'

Both Active Norfolk and North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) have helped to bring the activity to the area after the success of Active Norfolk's Norwich parkrun at Eaton Park.

This event was born out of 'Sport Makers', an Olympics initiative in partnership with NNDC and Active Norfolk, to motivate and encourage local people in the community to create new sports events.

Other parkrun events in Norfolk include Fritton Lake, Gorleston and King's Lynn.

Sheringham Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am from Sheringham Park's visitor centre. Participants must register in advance.

? If you are interested in volunteering and becoming part of the team email sheringhamhelpers@parkrun.com or for more information visit www.parkrun.org.uk/sheringham/home.