Offshore power at Cromer

Cromer seashore, normally dotted with children making sandcastles, became a roaring mass of high speed powerboats at the weekend.Spectators lined the beach and pier to watch the powerboats battling it out on the high seas in the fourth leg of the Zapcat National Championship Grand Prix racing competition.

Cromer seashore, normally dotted with children making sandcastles, became a roaring mass of high speed powerboats at the weekend.

Spectators lined the beach and pier to watch the powerboats battling it out on the high seas in the fourth leg of the Zapcat National Championship Grand Prix racing competition.

A group of 23 identical Zapcat powerboats entertained onlookers as the 50hp engines bounced the four-metre boats over the waves and the competitors jumped and crashed around a short course.

Among the teams, who came from across the country, were Team Suffolk - Greg, Kieron and Adelle Richardson from Woodbridge - who said they were delighted to be racing locally having had to travel to Cornwall and the south coast for other rounds.

Event organiser Chrissy Winchcombe said it had been a successful weekend but explained that a return of the Zapcats next year had not been discussed with the

town council.

Team PVR have extended their lead to 100 points over their closest rivals in the championship campaign after taking the Cromer Grand Prix title.