An MP rolled up his sleeves to help Broads Authority volunteers in clearing vegetation at Hoveton Riverside Park and weeding the moorings up river today.

Norwich South MP Simon Wright joined volunteers including members of the ladies' group which has been meeting every Friday for 16 years.

The volunteers' work at Hoveton ensures that the moorings are safe and tidy for boaters and that the vegetation is maintained as a suitable habitat for wildlife.

Some of the members of the Broads Authority's board also got stuck in at the event which was organised as part of National Volunteers' Week, which celebrates the commitment of volunteers across the country.

Volunteers also demonstrated some of the other activities they undertake including surveying, pond dipping and bird box building.

Volunteer co-ordinator Beth Williams said: 'We are delighted Mr Wright showed his support by rolling up his sleeves and finding out just how hard our dedicated teams of volunteers work, in all weathers, to help us keep the Broads looking magical.

'They play a vital role in helping the authority carry out its work and they give their time for nothing because they love this special landscape and want to help protect it.'

The authority has about 150 volunteers who help patrol the waterways.

Mr Wright said: 'I was delighted to spend time with a number of regular volunteers who do such fantastic work for the environment of the Broads.

'I heard from volunteers about the pleasure they take in looking after the sites, learning more about the Broads, and making new friends. Staff and members of the Broads Authority also explained to me just how crucial the conservation work of volunteers is. They should be commended for their superb efforts.'