Ellis had never competed in a triathlon before in his life

Matt Ellis from Norwich has triumphed in his first ever triathlon with a winning margin of one minute.

He was the quickest competitor at the Waveney Triathlon last Sunday, which comprised a 400m pool-based swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a two-mile run.

Ellis completed the Bungay course in 50 minutes and 14 seconds, 60 seconds clear of Andy Walpole.

Organiser Rob Lines said: "Matt wasn't the best in the individual disciplines, but he was very consistent."

He added: "It has to be said there was an element of fortune in his win, Oliver Milk was the favourite but blew a tyre on the bike and others suffered similar misfortunes."

The race has become so popular over recent years that the limited 150 places sold out within 24 hours of entries opening this year.

The race saw both male and female participants ranging from 16 years old up to over 60, with many travelling from outside of Norfolk.

In the ladies, Nicola McIvor from Belfast, currently studying at the University of East Anglia and representing UEA Triathlon Club, took top honours with a time of 57:45, just eight seconds ahead of Tri-Anglia's Nicki Hawkes.

The next event that Tri-Anglia are hosting is the Norwich Triathlon on Sunday, 6 July at Whitlingham Outdoor Centre.