The second Beccles Triathlon has been hailed a huge success by organisers as 161 athletes spent the morning swimming, cycling and running around the town.

The sun was shining as spectators gathered at Beccles Lido where the race began at 9am, before wandering along the route to the finish line, cheering and clapping participants as they passed.

The triathlon was launched last year to help promote the town's outdoor swimming pool as a community facility, and this year the event has grown to allow 50 more athletes the chance to compete.

Trophies were presented to the winning male, female and team by long distance runner and Worlingham resident Paul Evans, a former winner of the Chicago Marathon along with many other titles.

David Walker won the men's race completing the course in a time of 1 hour 10 mins and 38 secs, with Debbie Coyle the winner of the women's race with a time of 1 hour 12 mins and 18 secs and Team Woodware Workshops winning the team race with a time of 1 hour, 13 mins and 2 secs.

Kate Bryson, one of the organisers, said: 'It has gone really well and the weather has been fantastic.

'We had 161 competitors this year, which is 50 more than last year, and there was such a big age range from 18 up to 70-years-old.

'We had people taking part for the first time as well as serious athletes and everyone seems like they have really enjoyed it.

'We couldn't have asked for a better team of volunteers and supporters and I think we have put Beccles firmly on the map.'

The route involved swimming 18 lengths of Beccles Lido, followed by a 12.63 mile cycle ride through Geldeston, Wainford Maltings at Ditchingham and back to Beccles before finishing with a 4.11 mile run down to Beccles Quay and back across the town marshes.

The organising committee was out at 4.30am this morning setting up the route, joined by members of the Beccles Sea Scouts and Army Cadets, who volunteered as marshals.

The last competitor completed the course just after noon.

Ms Bryson added: 'As a result of last year's triathlon we set up the Beccles Triathlon Club which now has about 40 members and we train down at the lido.

'We have a mixture of novices through to potential athletes and anyone is welcome to join.'

For information about the triathlon and the club visit www.becclestri.com