From the Cannonball Express to Woody Bear - Pleasurewood Hills is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Opened in 1983, the American-themed family attraction has hosted many famous faces including gameshow host Noel Edmunds and children's TV favourite Mr Blobby. 

Here we look back at the Suffolk theme park through the decades with a selection of photos from our archives.

READ MORE: Take a look at Norwich Castle through the ages

Eastern Daily Press: Visitors try out the bumper boats at a preview day held at Pleasurewood Hills on May 11, 1983.Visitors try out the bumper boats at a preview day held at Pleasurewood Hills on May 11, 1983. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: The miniature railway is opened with a cutting the tape ceremony on May 22, 1982.The miniature railway is opened with a cutting the tape ceremony on May 22, 1982. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Visitors take a white-knuckle ride on the Round Up attraction in 1985.Visitors take a white-knuckle ride on the Round Up attraction in 1985. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Pleasurewood Hills from the air sometime in the 1980s.Pleasurewood Hills from the air sometime in the 1980s. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Were you one of the Suffolk cub scouts who attended the 70th birthday party in May 1986?Were you one of the Suffolk cub scouts who attended the 70th birthday party in May 1986? (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: The Star Ride Enterprise was one of the main attractions in 1989.The Star Ride Enterprise was one of the main attractions in 1989. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: 10,000 Brownies celebrated the 75th anniversary of their organisation at Pleasurewood Hills, May 1989.10,000 Brownies celebrated the 75th anniversary of their organisation at Pleasurewood Hills, May 1989. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Pleasurewood Hills' mascot Woody Bear with his pals Ronnie Racoon and Clarence the Cat pictured on May 30, 1990.Pleasurewood Hills' mascot Woody Bear with his pals Ronnie Racoon and Clarence the Cat pictured on May 30, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Visitors enjoy the carousel in the early 1990s.Visitors enjoy the carousel in the early 1990s. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Mr Blobby and Woody Bear dazzled the crowds in their new Crinkley Bottom television show, April 11, 1995.Mr Blobby and Woody Bear dazzled the crowds in their new Crinkley Bottom television show, April 11, 1995. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Woody Bear meets Mr Blobby on a new stage set at Pleasurewood Hills, May 28, 1996.Woody Bear meets Mr Blobby on a new stage set at Pleasurewood Hills, May 28, 1996. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Noel Edmonds with Mr Blobby on June 3, 1996.Noel Edmonds with Mr Blobby on June 3, 1996. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: The cast of Pleasurewood Hill's Christmas Show, 4 December 1995. The cast of Pleasurewood Hill's Christmas Show, 4 December 1995. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Young Jamie Philip opens the park with Wood Bear and mayor Stephen Ardley as part of a VIP trip in 2005.Young Jamie Philip opens the park with Wood Bear and mayor Stephen Ardley as part of a VIP trip in 2005. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Lil Chris with Woody Bear to celebrate 25 years of the theme park in 2008.Lil Chris with Woody Bear to celebrate 25 years of the theme park in 2008. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: The new Wipeout ride which was one of the largest and fastest rides in the UK in 2007.The new Wipeout ride which was one of the largest and fastest rides in the UK in 2007. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: The park celebrates its 30th birthday with a grand opening in 2013.The park celebrates its 30th birthday with a grand opening in 2013. (Image: Newsquest)