The opportunity to take off from a lake and fly over the picturesque Somerleyton estate has not been cleared for take-off because of late paperwork.Estate owner the Hon Hugh Crossley had organised for a seaplane to fly from Fritton Lake and give people a breathtaking view of the countryside from September 25 to 29.

The opportunity to take off from a lake and fly over the picturesque Somerleyton estate has not been cleared for take-off because of late paperwork.

Estate owner the Hon Hugh Crossley had organised for a seaplane to fly from Fritton Lake and give people a breathtaking view of the countryside from September 25 to 29.

But now the specially adapted Cessna 182 will be taking to the skies later in the year instead because pilot John Russell did not get the relevant permission in time to pick up passengers from the lake.

The estate says the flights will now be held at a later date when Mr Russell finally receives full clearance to take to the air over Suffolk and Norfolk from Fritton Lake.

Spokesman for the estate Jennie Durham said people could still reserve their interest in taking a flight and they would then be notified when the aerial trips would take place.

The flights will be for 15 or 30 minutes for one or two passengers and will traverse the skies over the estate and neighbouring Burgh Castle, the Norfolk Broads and the resorts of Lowestoft and Southwold.

Mr Russell's Cessna has Aerocet amphibious floats and is the only seaplane of its kind operating in the south of England.

Flights will cost £120-£280, depending on the duration and number of passengers. For details or to register interest in going on the seaplane, call 01493 484008.