A young member of a rowing club was horrified when she spotted "up to 30 condoms and sanitary products" floating in a city river.

The waste has angered a family, whose daughter came across the gaudy sewage while at her rowing club.

John Hemmant, lives in Bergh Apton with 14-year-old Ruby, who first spotted the contraceptives while at her weekly Norwich Rowing Club meeting on the River Yare at Whitlingham Country Park.

Eastern Daily Press: The contraceptive waste was spotted along the River Yare last weekThe contraceptive waste was spotted along the River Yare last week (Image: Newsquest)

A few months ago divers looked to halt sewage spewing into the river with work carried out between Monday, February 20 and Wednesday, February 22.

Mr Hemmant, 63, couldn't believe it saying: "Ruby was rowing on Thursday afternoon and counted roughly 28 condoms, numerous tampons and applicators floating among the sewage in the river.

"Both of us were disgusted. Why do we accept this when we should be trying to better our environment?

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Eastern Daily Press: John Hemmant, father to Ruby, who first spotted the waste on Thursday May 11John Hemmant, father to Ruby, who first spotted the waste on Thursday May 11 (Image: John Hemmant)

"It's not exactly like the rubber is going to biodegrade so if it stays there who knows the damage it could do."

Ruby added: "I was shocked when I saw it all.

"Something like this shouldn't be allowed to happen with all the wildlife in the area."

Eastern Daily Press: Anglian Water said following very heavy and localised rainfall across Norfolk, a storm overflow from our pumping station near Trowse activatedAnglian Water said following very heavy and localised rainfall across Norfolk, a storm overflow from our pumping station near Trowse activated (Image: Newsquest)

An Anglian Water spokeswoman explained: "Following very heavy and localised rainfall across Norfolk, a storm overflow from our pumping station near Trowse activated on Wednesday evening (May 10).

"Our teams are working to ensure a full clean-up is carried out in the area.

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Eastern Daily Press: Ruby Hemmant said that she was worried for the wildlife who use the riverRuby Hemmant said that she was worried for the wildlife who use the river (Image: James Bass)

"The overflow was doing the job it's supposed to, and protecting homes and businesses from flooding during the heavy rain.

"We agree that storm overflows are not the right solution to deal with an overloaded sewer system and it's something we're working hard to address by investing to improve our network, working in partnership to find better ways of keeping surface water out of sewers and educating people on what not to flush."