Dozens of people have taken part in a charity hula hoopathon on the beach at Lowestoft.

The event was organised by Nanna Lay, president of East Point Rotary Club in Lowestoft, in aid of Norfolk and Norwich Hospital's Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal.

The 16-hour marathon got under way at Ness Point at 4.29am today, moved to the beach below Kensington Gardens during the course of the morning, and was due to finish at 10pm tonight.

More than 80 people took part, including lifeguards and a PCSO.

Kirkley Community Choir was also expected to turn out during the evening to spur the hula hoopers on.

Mrs Lay, a grandmother from Beccles, organised the event after seeing four friends go through treatment for cancer.

She hopes to have raised at least £3,000.

East Point Rotary has already donated £1,000 to Mrs Lay's appeal and further funds have been raised through individual sponsorship.

In another stunt, Mrs Lay played with fire at Tuesday's Rotary club meeting.

At the meeting at the Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft, five rods of fire were attached to Mrs Lay's hula hoop, which she twirled around her waist, arms and head.

Mrs Lay was first given a hula hoop by her sister Helga Hybschmann during her charter night last June and the charity challenge will mark the end of her presidential year.

When she was made president of the club, Mrs Lay developed the motto of 'live better, live longer'.

To sponsor Mrs Lay visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/nannalay3.