A soap star was spotted riding the famous Super Snails at Joyland over the weekend.

James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle in Emmerdale, came to Great Yarmouth for the National Street Rod Association's Fun on the Beach event.

In between the planned activities, Hooton decided to have a go on the rides.

Mikey Cole, who works at Joyland, said he was a "lovely chap".

"He was a very down-to-earth, lovely man who had time for everyone," he said.

Hooton (left) had a great day out at the seasideHooton (left) had a great day out at the seaside (Image: Joyland)

"I saw him all weekend stopping for anyone that wanted a chat or a picture - he made sure that everyone had a chance.

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"I hope he enjoyed his ride on the Super Snails!"

Superfan James (left) was one of the lucky people to meet himSuperfan James (left) was one of the lucky people to meet him (Image: James Cossey/Joe Jordan/Paul Tammas)

Hooton first appeared in Emmerdale on Valentine's Day 1995.

In 2005, his character fell in love with  Alice Wilson, played by Ursula Holden-Gill, and the pair left to start a new life on a farm in Norfolk.

They returned to Emmerdale village soon after when Alice discovered she was pregnant.