Riders ranging from toddlers to grandparents and novices to an Olympic medallist were among those taking part in the third annual Pedal Norfolk Festival.

Riders ranging from toddlers to grandparents and novices to an Olympic medallist were among those taking part in the third annual Pedal Norfolk Festival.

Emma Pooley, who won a silver medal in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, was one of an estimated 2,000 people taking part in the three-day cycling festival, which ended on Monday.

Those taking part have been cycling in a range of rides, between 20 and 100 miles, centred around the Holkham Estate. Among other activities on offer were stunt bike demonstrations and a tyre changing competition.

Miss Pooley, who grew up in Norwich and now lives in Switzerland, rode the 100-mile course on Friday and expressed her joy at the state of cycling in Norfolk.

She said: 'I love to come back here and see more and more people are out riding. The festival is brilliant and it's events like this which encourage people to get out on their bikes.

'It shows you don't need to have the most expensive bike, just to enjoy cycling.

'If you take it a step further, that's great, but the fact that more people are out enjoying cycling is great because it is healthy, good for the environment and much better than driving.

'The great thing about the festival is you will see some people doing the 100-mile ride today and coming back tomorrow and riding with their children.

'There is something here for everyone.'

Event director Peter Flett, who runs Fatbirds bicycle shop in Hunstanton, said, despite heavy rain yesterday morning there had been an increase in entries with about 2,000 people riding this year compared to 1,800 last year.

He said: 'It's been fantastic. There has been a great atmosphere throughout the festival and people turning out to ride in spite of the awful weather.

'The festival is getting bigger and better each year and I'm sure it will continue that way for many years to come.'

The Pedal Norfolk Festival is sponsored by the EDP. Other sponsors include Adnams and North Norfolk District Council, Leathes Prior and Tyrrells Crisps.

For more information, go to www.pedalnorfolk.co.uk

Are you organising a cycling event? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk