A Norfolk garden centre celebrated its 30th birthday by inviting customers old and new along for a day of fun.

Thetford Garden Centre at Kilverstone held the birthday celebration on Saturday and welcomed visitors from Melsop Farm at Scoulton, where children can meet animals including sheep, goats and pigs. The farm staff brought along Boris, the giant rabbit, which proved to be a particular favourite among visitors to the centre.

However, there were many other activities including face painting, balloon modelling and badge making, while the Thetford Players drama group provided a pantomime dame, Snow White and Buttons to entertain the crowds.

Councillor Terry Lamb, the mayor of Thetford, cut the towered flower pot birthday cake which was enjoyed by young and old.

He said: 'To have a business reach its 30th anniversary is one thing, but to have a flourishing one is quite an achievement.

'I can remember when the garden centre was at its original site in Lime Kiln Lane and to see it grow from that is wonderful; from little acorns grow big Oak trees.'

Visitors also viewed the commemorative willow man sculpture in the centre's grounds, which is a lasting tribute to the company's 30th year.

The centre's director Jean Nixon said: 'It was lovely to see so many familiar faces join us, many of which have been long-standing customers of ours who have shown us years of loyalty.

'This year we have wanted to demonstrate our sincere thanks to local people for this support and today was to celebrate with a fun event for the whole family.'