A Dereham care home marked its 60th anniversary in style with a celebration attended by more than 250 people.

Eckling Grange in Norwich Road opened in May 1963 as a home for retired overseas missionaries and gospel workers.

In the 60 years since then, about 2500 people have lived in the home and bungalows in the complex.

Eastern Daily Press: Eckling Grange residents in the lounge in the early days

More than 100 people now work at Eckling Grange, making it one of the town's biggest employers.

A large marquee in the Grange gardens housed the diamond anniversary celebration service and lunch and survived 40mph winds and torrential rain.

Eastern Daily Press: Guests at the Eckling Grange diamond anniversary celebrations

The service included words from chairman of trustees Graham Pickhaver, Rachel Slater (whose father David Potter opened Eckling Grange), general manager Stewart Barber, care manager Elizabeth Treacy and guest Danny Pritchard. There were also Bible readings, songs, hymns and prayers.

As well as the home's diamond anniversary, other notable occasions were marked including the 100th birthday of resident Eric Swann, a long service award for staff member Angie Barnes and a presentation to Freda Rawling, who worked at the home when it first opened.

Eastern Daily Press: Angie Barnes receives her long service recognition at the Eckling Grange diamond anniversary

Mr Barber told guests: "We are a big family here and we care for the body, mind and spirit. If there are three words to describe Eckling Grange they must be care, community and Christian."

*Photos from the celebration taken by Paige Talbot

Eastern Daily Press: The original front of Eckling Grange

Eastern Daily Press: The first Eckling Grange residents in 1963

 

Eastern Daily Press: Eckling Grange general manager Stewart Barber addresses guests at the diamond anniversary

 

Eastern Daily Press: A resident and staff member at Eckling Grange's diamond anniversary celebrations

Eastern Daily Press: Singers at the Eckling Grange celebrations

Eastern Daily Press: Freda Rawling worked at Eckling Grange when it first opened in 1963