A rising hockey star helped get the people of Norwich into the spirit of the Olympic Games when a giant hockey ball rolled into the city today (Monday).

Norwich School teenager Amy Campbell joined in the hockey-related activities at Chapelfield Plain which were part of the npower Big Dribble.

The 18-day roadshow started in Edinburgh on April 15 and has seen an eight foot, giant hockey ball stop off at towns and cities on its way to Norwich.

It will reach 40 locations as part of its tour.

The initiative is aimed raising awareness and participation of hockey and to get people behind Team GB's hockey teams this summer.

Amy, 14, who lives near Postwick and plays for the under-16 England team, said: 'We need to promote hockey as much as possible, it's such a great sport.

'It's a really relaxed sport and it's so versatile. You can take it seriously or you can play for fun and it's such a great way to socialise with other people.'

As part of today's event, members of the public, school pupils and office workers were given the chance to pick up a stick and have a go at dribbling a hockey ball through a 50-metre course.

It is hoped to cover 2,012km by dribbling hockey balls, setting a new world record.

Hundreds of people took part before the giant hockey ball and the npower Big Dribble team headed off to Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.

Vicky Brown, 17, from Plumstead, who took part, said: 'I saw what was going on from Chapelfield and thought it looked fun so had a go.

'I loved it.'

Charlie Farrow, England Hockey Board relationship manager, said: 'It's about talking hockey - it can be played formally or informally, you can play rush hockey and it's a great spectator sport.

'Around the Olympic Games, it's a great opportunity for people to have a go and get behind Great Britain.'

Anyone aged over 13 who wants to have a go at hockey has the chance to play on Saturday, May 12. Broadland Hockey Club will be holding an open day at their home ground at Taverham Recreation Facilities, Beech Avenue, Taverham, from 2.30pm. For more information, email broadlandhc@hotmail.co.uk.

Have you got an Olympics story? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.