There were cheers of joy as West Norfolk mayor Zipha Christopher cut the ribbon to officially open the new offices for a 'vital' organisation.

Staff at West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action (WNVCA) had waited for almost a decade to move away from their small offices on the Tuesday Market Place in Lynn.

But yesterday the wait was finally over as they swung open the doors at their new offices in Regis Place, North Lynn, for the official opening.

The organisation works to promote and develop local voluntary and community action and supports its members by providing them with a range of services and by acting as a voice for the local voluntary and community sector.

Heather Farley, the organisation's chief executive, said: 'It was brilliant to see so many people come along for our official opening.

'I was delighted that everyone seemed impressed with this place and pleased with what we will now be able to offer them.

'The last place we were at didn't have the facilities we needed like having to share one toilet with two other organisations and having lots of steps everywhere which meant we couldn't have disabled people come along.

'It was obviously great to have been in the heart of the town but we are not too far outside the town centre now and we will be doing surgeries in the town on a regular basis.

'I think we all are still getting our heads around this place because it is so different from where we were before - it is so much lighter, brighter and modern.

'We have also got a big meeting room and two interview rooms which will give us and the groups and organisations we support so many more options.'

After cutting the ribbon and unveiling a plaque, the borough mayor said: 'The building on the Tuesday Market Place was far too small and unsuitable for them so I am delighted to see them in this lovely place. They are a very important group in West Norfolk and the work they do is absolutely vital.'