Hundreds of enthusiastic thrill-seekers descended on King's Lynn's Tuesday Market Place for the opening of the The Mart.

The historic fun fair was opened by West Norfolk Mayor Zipha Christopher at around 12pm on Saturday and her address was followed by her riding on the dodgems with several other dignitaries, including South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss and deputy leader of King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, Brian Long.

Mrs Christopher said: 'It is always very exciting to come to this event and I'd like to give a huge welcome back to the showmen.

'I first came to The Mart in 1965, shortly after I moved to King's Lynn, and I've loved it ever since.

'The Mart has such a huge appeal and I's sure it will be as successful if not more successful than it has been in past visits to King's Lynn.'

Vice president of The Showmen's Guild, John Culine MBE said: 'This is my first visit here and it's great to see such an amazing turn out of people. This has been one of the most fantastic openings of The Mart that I have ever seen.

'You now have some of the finest rides, stalls and entertainment in the country here in King's Lynn and I'd like to thank the showmen for their hard work in making this possible.'

The Mart, one of the oldest fairs in the country, will be in King's Lynn for two weeks with opening times being 12pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and 6pm on other days. It will be closed on Sundays.