The organisers of a day celebrating the heritage of Lowestoft and the east coast of Suffolk have said they are already planning for next year's event.

The East Coast Heritage Day, hosted at East Coast College in Lowestoft, attracted more than 400 visitors on its first ever day on Saturday, June 16.

Organised by the Suffolk Family History Society (SFHS), the event was opened by Flog It! star auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot and was attended by Waveney MP Peter Aldous and Lowestoft Town Council deputy mayor Peter Knights.

Janis Kirby, organiser and co-founder of the Save Our Records Office campaign group, said: 'Even on a day which saw another high profile event happening up the coast in Great Yarmouth with the airshow, it was gratifying to see and welcome so many visitors to our event here in Lowestoft.

'It just goes to prove the great interest there is in our local heritage and history.'

The event hosted more than 32 different groups who organisers said were all keen to engage with the local community and exchange knowledge and contacts with everyone attending.

Mrs Kirby said: 'We were entertained by the Rogues Shanty Chorus and shown how to repair fishing nets by a group of ex fisherman.

'The computer research room to was busy all day and many people took advantage of using SFHS experts to help trace their ancestors and we are grateful to those SFHS volunteers who travelled to Lowestoft to help out too.'

Other entertainment on offer for visitors included talks from Sarah Doig and Ivan Bunn on Daniel Defoe and John Louth Clemence respectively, alongside an art exhibition from East Coast College students and a bridge simulator where guests could try to guide a ship into Lowestoft port.

Organisers are already planning on repeating the event next year and are hoping to encourage more young people to get involved and understand more about their history in and around Lowestoft and north Suffolk.

Mrs Kirby said: 'We would like to thank Rachel Bunn and her team at East Coast College, for providing an excellent venue, and showing how, in partnership, heritage and history are such vital aspects of learning and community.'