Ipswich ranked fifth in Britain for sports lovers according to sports retailer Blacks

Ipswich is the fifth best town in the UK for sports lovers, according to a new report.

Research by outdoor retailer Blacks ranks the town as among the most active in the country, with plenty of outdoors activities to keep people occupied.

It is one of four towns and cities in the East of England to make the top 10.

Norwich, Peterborough and Cambridge also scored highly, in second, seventh and eighth places, respectively.

Southampton took the top spot, with 49 adventurous activities and attractions.

Ipswich bagged top marks for the number of sports complexes, with 9 in total - the most in the country, according to the report.

Sports centres like Northgate or Whitton helped drag Suffolk's county town up the list.

It is also the third most active town or city in the country, with 31 attractions for sports fans, including the Ski centre located just off the A14.

Ipswich also ranked third in the number of public parks available, with 15.

Large parks, like Christchurch and Chantry Park also often host events, ranging from fun fairs to gigs.

The report analysed the number of green spaces, outdoor trails, number of sport complexes and watersport adventures available in large towns or cities.

The full report can be read here.