The start of the region's biggest cricket league, the East Anglian Premier League, has been put back because of the bad weather.

The season will now begin on Saturday, April 21 and end a week later than originally planned, on Saturday, September 15.

In a statement, the EAPL – which includes Norfolk teams Swardeston, Gt Witchingham, Vauxhall Mallards, Norwich and Horsford – said the conditions were 'playing havoc' with pitch and ground preparation.

'Several are still under water this morning and there are no signs of a prolonged period of drying weather,' said the league. 'The management committee have taken the unusual step of consulting the clubs and they have given a clear mandate to effect a change.'

It means all games scheduled for April 14 are postponed and will be played the final day of the season. The promotion play-off semi-finals will be on Sunday September 16 with the final on September 22-23.