WITH Blackpool only 80 miles away, most people would think the Lancashire resort would be a more sensible option for Staffordshire man Keith Sanders to spend his summer by the sea.

WITH Blackpool only 80 miles away, most people would think the Lancashire resort would be a more sensible option for Staffordshire man Keith Sanders to spend his summer by the sea.

But every year for the last 30 years, the 71-year-old from Newcastle-Under-Lyme has made the 201-mile trip to Great Yarmouth because he prefers the town's cleanliness and attractions.

He started making his annual pilgrimages by motorbike in 1978 when he stayed at the then Windy Shore Hotel in North Drive, which was owned by Jean and Eddie Duffield.

Since then the hotel has changed hands and is now jointly owned by Linda Dyble, her father David Dyble and Maria Chadderton, and has been renamed The Kensington Hotel.

And this year he was rewarded for his loyalty to the resort and the hotel, when management presented him with a thank you certificate and balloons.

Keith remembered seeing shows involving comedians Russ Abbott and Freddie Starr when he first started coming to Yarmouth with his late wife Sheila, who died five years ago. But he also visited other attractions in the area such as a bird sanctuary at Wroxham and would make regular boat trips along the Broads.

And as a train enthusiast, Keith also enjoyed trips to Bressingham Steam and Gardens.

Just why does he prefer the east coast to the west coast?

Keith replied: “It is flat and surrounded by Broads and cleaner than Blackpool. There is so much to do. You can go on boat trips or hire a boat.”

Last week Keith was visiting the town with stepdaughter Ann-Marie, 32, her husband Jamie, 29 and her children Oliver, 10, Mia, three and Maddison, six months.