Actor and television presenter Ross Kemp was among the crowds cheering on a charity pub crawl in North Norfolk.

Yesterday saw 39 suited and bearded Santas take part in the annual event, starting in North Walsham and cycling their way around 15 pubs.

The popular bike ride was established by a group of friends six years ago and organisers hope to raise more than �3,000 for the NSPCC this year.

Mr Kemp was impressed by the cycling santas when he met them at The Ship Inn, at Mundesley, and was quick to make a donation to the charity.

'I just popped in for a quick pint on my way back from a walk on the beach,' he explained. 'It's great.'

The EastEnders actor-turned documentary maker stayed at the pub, in Beach Road, for about half an hour chatting to the jolly cyclists.

The colourful convoy met in North Walsham Market Place at 9am and completed a circular route, also stopping at Trunch, Bacton and Walcott before returning to the town.

Residents and businesses turned out to watch and make donations as the fundraising Father Christmases passed through.

One of the organisers, Matthew Dyke, said: 'People are lining the streets to give us money. It's quite cold, but we've had a lot worse weather in the past!'