Residents and staff from a north Norfolk care home celebrated its 30th anniversary today (Sunday).

Aylsham Manor residential home, on Norwich Road, was opened by husband and wife team Will and Valerie Ching 30 years ago and they joined friends and family at a celebratory garden party.

The home is now run by their daughter Denise Denis and her husband Carl, who took it over 20 years ago.

Mrs Denis said: 'It's a fantastic achievement and we feel very proud of our staff, who are loyal and dedicated to their work. Without the staff it wouldn't be the home it is.'

And it was a double celebration for three members of staff who had been working at the home since it opened.

Lynda Howes, Linda Furze and Jean Davy have been working at the 16th century building since 1982 and said the time had passed very quickly.

Mrs Howes added: 'The best thing about the job is not only looking after the residents and knowing you're making a difference but also working for people who treat you like family.'

As well as the garden party guests were treated to a performance by a jazz trio, Aylsham Town Band, a buffet and cream teas.

The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Rev Jonathan Meyrick, also came to bless Aylsham Manor. The building was originally the Bishop of Norwich's summer palace in 1600.

He congratulated all the people who worked in the home for their commitment and support to the residents.

Mr Ching said: 'We are really grateful for all the wonderful support that we've received over the years from so many different people and to the people who have helped us get it off the ground.

'The vision behind it all was my wife Valerie who was nursing in the district. It was her vision that brought it to life with all the support we had.'

Mr Ching added that he felt very proud.