The Venetian Waterways are a prominent feature of the seafront walkways and gardens in Great Yarmouth.

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth model boat club using the Venetian waterways.PHOTO: Nick ButcherGreat Yarmouth model boat club using the Venetian waterways.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

And model boat enthusiasts are ensuring that a popular tradition continues in the town as they showed off their hand made vessels, which they have spent countless hours building from scratch or from kits.

On Sunday a flotilla of boats were showcased by Great Yarmouth Model Boat Club members on the lake part of the Waterways – as they highlighted that the Venetian Waterways are still in use, and their hobby is thriving.

About a dozen club members offered a unique experience to locals and holidaymakers, as visitors were able to sail their model boats on part of the Venetian Waterways, which is not open to the general public.

Club secretary Dave Hubble said: 'The fact we are using the Waterways shows the people coming past that they are being used, and are not being neglected.

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth model boat club using the Venetian waterways.Robert Mahoney, Mike Warnes and Dave Hubble launching a boat.PHOTO: Nick ButcherGreat Yarmouth model boat club using the Venetian waterways.Robert Mahoney, Mike Warnes and Dave Hubble launching a boat.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

'The original club started in 2011 and has been on the Waterways since then. We have got a membership of about 35 – with members coming from Great Yarmouth, Beccles and Norwich, as they all like coming down here as the Waterways is such a nice area.'

Club members usually meet on Sunday's from 10am to noon on the Waterways, while also attending shows and exhibitions across the region.

Pleased with how the bank holiday weekend event had gone, Mr Hubble said: 'Its been good. We had members out with their boats on the Waterways, and people were coming down asking questions and queuing up to have a go on the club boat.

'We had about a dozen or so members in attendance, with visitors from Norwich, holidaymakers and locals all turning out.'

With a variety of boats taking to the water – from racing boats to fire boats – Mr Hubble said 'all sorts' were on display.

'Families have been coming past, and a lot of the youngsters have been having a play with the club boat and really enjoying themselves,' Mr Hubble said.

'We have had families queued up to have a go, with the children showing interest and it has been a very nice occasion.'

Mr Hubble said that the club can cater for new members, and they were particularly keen for more youngsters 'to get interested in the hobby.'

He added: 'We are going to Strumpshaw in September and will be exhibiting in front of Yarmouth Town Hall for the Maritime Festival.'

? For exhibition and membership inquiries email greatyarmouthmbc@gmail.com or visit www.greatyarmouthmbc.co.uk/