Almost 600 churches across Norfolk and Waveney feature in the latest Diocese of Norwich guide to some of the most beautiful buildings in the region.

Each year the diocese produces a free guide on churches that are open during weekdays as well as on Sundays.

The booklet contains descriptions of the churches, photos, location information and other useful information including local shops and amenities.

It is available to pick up at tourist information centres, churches, museums and libraries across Norfolk and Waveney.

Church development officer for the Diocese of Norwich Caroline Rawlings said they are 'extremely proud' of the latest edition. 'It gives visitors an opportunity to discover the beauty and variety of our wonderful church buildings,' she said. 'The booklet has been running for eight years and each year it becomes more popular.'

The booklet is also available to view or download online at www.dioceseofnorwich.org/visiting/guides or by calling 01603 880853.

Churches in this year's booklet include:

-St Margaret, Tivetshall. The restored 1587 Queen Elizabeth I tympanum featured in David Dimbleby's 'The Seven Ages of Britain'.

-St Mary, Haddiscoe. Occupying a commanding position on a hilltop, the Saxon round tower provides a unique panorama and was used by the Home Guard in the Second World War.

-St Peter and Paul, East Harling. Open weekdays from 10am to 4pm in April through October, it hosts a coffee morning from 10am to noon on the first Saturday of every month except January. The church is famous for the quality of its C15 workmanship but the core of the building is at least a century older.

-All Saints, High Kelling. Originally the chapel of Bramblewood Sanatorium at High Kelling, but has served the village for public worship since 1955. It is considered the smallest church in the diocese - seating just 54.

-St Mary the Virgin, Barningham Winter. A picturesque ruin with a chancel and later fore-building (added in 1830).

-St Peter, Ridlington. Situated about a mile inland from the coast and the Happisburgh to North Walsham Road. The chancel's roof is one of the few surviving examples of thatched roofing using Norfolk reed.