A Norfolk farm shop has set its sights on securing year-round trade after expanding to double its winter seating capacity. 

Hirst's Farm Shop, run by Rob and Becca Hirst at Ormesby, near Great Yarmouth, opened an enlarged shop and cafe building last May.

But now its latest extension has created another 40 indoor seats on an area previously used for outdoor seating, which could only be booked in summer.

Mr Hirst said it was part of a drive to make the family farm's revenue less seasonal, and sustain employment for its 18-strong team of employees.

"We have had an extremely good summer with the weather, and we have been getting very full," he said.

"So we have put an extension on to put a roof over the outside area. It has given us another 40 covers, which is double what we were doing before.

"Now we can have the best of both worlds, and we are putting in a wood burner to warm the extension.

"There is a lot of concern about people's spending and the cost of living, but we have to keep challenging ourselves and improving what we are doing because we need to keep this brilliant team of staff that we have got.

"We are trying to make sure everyone gets the hours they require, because everyone needs a bit more money at the moment, so it works well that we are getting busier.

"They are doing such a good job and they keep pulling people in, and it has given us the stability and confidence to keep pushing forward."

The farm shop is taking Christmas orders for meat, fish and vegetables, and Mr Hirst says its coastal location also helps draws in customers travelling to see the arrival of seal pups at Horsey and Winterton during the winter.

It is also running winter events including its first Food and Drink Fayre this weekend.

The event, running from 4pm-9pm on December 2 and 3, will showcase Norfolk produce and includes a cocktail bar, pizza oven, street food and mulled wine.