A weekend run at a Suffolk tourist spot has proved a runaway success since its inaugural event just three months ago.

The Great Run Local 2km and 5km runs are held every Sunday at Needham Lake and have grown almost every week, setting a new attendance record of 169 on Sunday (January 24).

The event is run by volunteers and is similar to Parkrun. Great Run Local has events across the country, with Needham Lake now the most popular in the UK.

Launched on November 8 with 69 people turning out, organisers Baz and Bridget Goldstone have been blown away by the support.

Mr Goldstone, 63, said: “It has surprised us. We broke the record last Sunday only for us to break it again this Sunday.

“Our focus is on a family event, getting everyone, especially the youngsters, out running and not behind computer screens.

“We get all sorts here; we don’t mind if you walk, jog or run round. We had a lorry driver here who hadn’t run in six years.”

The event relies on a team of regular volunteers and starts every Sunday at 9.30am from the car park on Coddenham Lane, next to the toilet block. A briefing takes place at 9.20am. You must register online beforehand.

Runners can find out more by visiting the Facebook page by searching “Great Run Local Needham Lake”, where Mrs Goldstone is ready to answer questions, and on the website www.greatrunlocal.org/runs