It remains one of the biggest single expansion projects in Norfolk's history and saw thousands of Londoners move to Thetford.

Eastern Daily Press: This picture taken on August 5 1967, shows the housing boom in Thetford. Picture: Archant LibraryThis picture taken on August 5 1967, shows the housing boom in Thetford. Picture: Archant Library

These aerial photographs of the town taken during the 1960s show the housing developments being built to take the increasing population.

Eastern Daily Press: Thetford aerial view of housing being built taken on April 30 1969. Picture: Archant LibraryThetford aerial view of housing being built taken on April 30 1969. Picture: Archant Library

In 1953 Thetford Borough Council approached London County Council to become part of the scheme to have people from London moved to the town which had a dwindling population because people left to find work.

Eastern Daily Press: An up-tp-date aerial photograph of Thetford. Picture: Mike PageAn up-tp-date aerial photograph of Thetford. Picture: Mike Page (Image: �Coypright Mike Page, All Rights Reserved; Before any use is made of this picture, including dispaly, publication, broadcast,...)

Construction began on new housing estates in 1957 and 5,000 Londoners moved the near 100 miles to Norfolk.

During the 1960s thousands more families arrived from the capital and the building of housing continued.

Construction on the Abbey estate began in 1967 with 1,000 houses and open spaces for people to enjoy.

Developments continued in the 1970s and by the late 1980s the population of Thetford was around 21,000.