FAMILIES found their maritime legs together by paddling 24 miles from Sudbury to the sea in their own canoes as part of a special event.

The River Stour Trust invited people from across north Essex to the annual race which took place over Saturday and Sunday.

Sailors navigated their way through 24.5 miles of the River Stour, beginning in Sudbury and travelling through Stratford St Mary and Dedham before finishing at the Cattawade Barrier.

Certificates were handed out at the end along with tea and buns for all those who made it to the finish line.

Many people took to the river for the popular event.

Couples tried their hand at canoeing together while older people who were dab hands on the water enjoyed returning to the river.

Even youngsters had their first taste of the water thanks to the popular race.

Organisers said they were thrilled with the take up on the weekend with dozens of rowers taking part on the water.

While some braved the water on their own, the majority teamed up in pairs to enjoy the weekend and tackle the course together.

The two-day event saw the last boats leaving Sudbury by 10am on Saturday and camp overnight at Wissington for the evening before again setting off at 10am for the final stretch.

To find out more about the River Stour Trust visit riverstourtrust.org.