The tranquil river ways of the Norfolk Broads are set to star in the BBC's flagship Countryfile programme on Sunday.Presenters Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker spent two days this week sailing on the Broads and discovering how the region has been enhanced and protected over the last 20 years with the formation of the Broads Authority.

The tranquil river ways of the Norfolk Broads are set to star in the BBC's flagship Countryfile programme on Sunday.

Presenters Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker spent two days this week sailing on the Broads and discovering how the region has been enhanced and protected over the last 20 years with the formation of the Broads Authority.

Julia will be seen taking part in the Thurne Mouth Open Regatta in the 102-year-old river cruiser Martlet and Matt will be shown taking the helm of the historic Albion wherry and interviewing its skipper Paul Gowman.

Mr Gowman said: “Matt was enchanted. They all were. They were really wrapped up in it and taken with the shape of the sail, which the cameraman went to great lengths to capture.”

The show also features the work of trainee millwrights and reed and sedge cutters and clips of a plant survey on the thriving Rollesby Broad will be broadcast.

Also included in the Broads special are the threat of climate change and flooding to the area and the role of the Broad Authority's first chief executive Aitken Clark.

Countryfile director Andrew Painten said: “We choose to reflect on the Broads as it is sure to be of interest to people elsewhere in the country.”

Sunday's broadcast on BBC1 starts at 7.30pm and its popular host John Craven will be presenting a national piece on the lack of affordable homes in rural communities.