Norfolk's first polo festival took place at the weekend giving local people a chance to enjoy the thrills and spills of the glamorous sport.

The two-day event, hosted by the Norfolk Polo Club in the grounds of the historic Langley Abbey Estate, was sponsored by Coutts and the Eastern Daily Press.

Polo teams from across the UK took part and the event was well-attended with spectators keen to learn more about the sport.

The festival was organised by Norfolk Polo Club founder Chris Townsend and his wife Rebecca.

Various matches were held across the two days and on Saturday the EDP emerged victorious in a match against fellow sponsor Coutts.

Last night Mr Townsend said the Norfolk Polo Festival had proved a huge success and would be a regular fixture on the calendar.

'It has been spectacular, absolutely wonderful,' he said.

'We have had a fantastic time and the weather has held off. It has been marvellously supported and there has been some very good polo.'

It is the first time a polo festival has been held in Norfolk.

Mr Townsend said: 'We will put Norfolk on the map. If we deliver every year we will find clubs will come to play.'

Clubs from Suffolk, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and Essex were among those taking part and about 120 polo ponies were in action over the two days.

Mr Townsend praised his wife Rebecca for her efforts in organising the event and was keen to encourage more people to give the sport a try.

'There is something for everyone,' he said. 'Anybody can have a go. You do not even need to know how to ride.'

For more information visit www.norfolkpolo.co.uk