From a hobby in his back garden to opening an award-winning insect zoo, Martin French is not stopping there.

The 62-year-old, who lives in Old Catton near Norwich, opened The Bug Parc at the former Norfolk Wildlife Park site in Lenwade in May 2022.

He first started breeding praying mantises 30 years ago and as his insect collection grew and he began selling them he built two sheds in the back garden.

Eastern Daily Press: Martin French launched The Bug Parc in May 2022 Picture: Sonya DuncanMartin French launched The Bug Parc in May 2022 Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

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After outgrowing these, he took over the back end of his home too and then moved house with his wife to Old Catton and built a 60-foot-long shed to fill with bugs. 

But even this was too small for his big ambitions and, after Covid delays, The Bug Parc eventually opened last year.

Eastern Daily Press: Elsie and Lewis on the new jumping pillow at The Bug Parc Picture: Sonya DuncanElsie and Lewis on the new jumping pillow at The Bug Parc Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

It is home to more than 230 different species of invertebrates, including tarantulas, scorpions and a huge leaf-cutting ant colony, with handling sessions available for £2pp.

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Mr French said: "We have currently done about 25pc of what I want to build over the next 10 years - we have had amazing reviews so far with many school groups visiting.

"We also won the tourism and leisure category at the East of England Start-Up Awards 2023."

Eastern Daily Press: The newly-opened sandpit at The Bug Parc Picture: Sonya DuncanThe newly-opened sandpit at The Bug Parc Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

New additions this summer are a large jumping pillow for 28 people and a huge undercover sandpit within a picnic area.

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Mr French added: "So far, the new additions have added at least an hour to most visits.

Eastern Daily Press: Martin French in front of the play area at The Bug Parc Picture: Sonya DuncanMartin French in front of the play area at The Bug Parc Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

"There is nothing on the scale of The Burg Parc in the UK - people have travelled here from far and wide." 

Eastern Daily Press: Martin French has been breeding insects for 30 years Picture: Sonya DuncanMartin French has been breeding insects for 30 years Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Next in the pipeline is a butterfly walk and a dipping pond at the site. 

The Bug Parc is open from 10am to 5pm daily in the summer holidays and Wednesday to Sunday during term time, with the Chrysalis Café open on the same days (non-ticket holders welcome). 

Tickets cost £10.95 for ages 17+, £8.95 for over 4s and under 4s are free - book at thebugparc.com