A water sport which is growing in popularity around the world has found a home in the city centre.

The Norfolk Stand Up Paddle Board Club held a demonstration event outside the Red Lion pub which backs on the River Wensum.

Rob Fuller, from CBK Hunstanton, a kite surf school which works with the paddle club, said: 'It is a great way to get active, its perfect for core muscle strength and also a great way to meet others in a informal social environment.'

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has been cited as the fastest growing watersport in the world.

It involves standing up on a six foot long board and using a paddle to move along the water.

Although there is a small risk of falling in the water, the sport is actually classed as a being 'dry' because the boards are so stable on the water.

The activity is great for fitness, with 30 minutes of SUP burning as many calories as a six mile run.

Stephen Barraclough, one of the founders of the club, said: 'It is a great way of seeing the river from a different perspective.'

Mr Barraclough, added that the sport was easy for beginners to pick up, 'After about five minutes of wobble then you have good balance. We had around 50 people on the water today and only three fell in.'

The club has the full backing from the Broads Authority and is being supported by the Red Lion pub in Bishopgate as the it backs directly on the river and offers a slip way in their carpark.

Amanda Rose, owner of the Red Lion pub, said: 'This is the clubhouse for the paddleboarders. You can go out on the water and then come in for something to eat and drink.'

'I'm very happy to see people on the river as it is so under used. Something like this is great for Norwich.'

The sessions run from the Red Lion pub on Bishopgate on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. For more information go to: www.norfolkpaddleco.co.uk