A trader at a popular new shopping village is loving life after a business boom led to the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Black Barn Farm was opened in Salhouse in August by Marcus Pearcey, 49, and partner Elly, 44, who also own Blofield Farm Shop & Cafe. 

It proved an instant hit, with customers from all over Norfolk travelling to visit the barn's cafe, farm shop and shops on the site, with the car park often at capacity at weekends.

Eastern Daily Press: Black Barn Farm has been open for half a year and already proven very popularBlack Barn Farm has been open for half a year and already proven very popular (Image: Newsquest)

Johanna Forster, 50, who owns Black Barn Farm's art shop, Quirky Art by Jo Forster, said that she "couldn't believe how successful it has been".

Jo, from Taverham, opened her shop at the site in September after hosting a pop-up that proved so popular that she never left. 

Eastern Daily Press: Jo has illustrated a book called Little Spiders, Big AdventuresJo has illustrated a book called Little Spiders, Big Adventures (Image: Denise Bradley)

"I can't believe where I am today," she said. 

"The footfall at Black Barn Farm is huge and I have been so overwhelmed.

"I love creating my art but it has never been as successful as it has been here."

Eastern Daily Press: Jumping spider, Jupiter, who was the inspiration for the book, Little Spiders Big Adventures by Karen Allen.Jumping spider, Jupiter, who was the inspiration for the book, Little Spiders Big Adventures by Karen Allen. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Jo worked in education before starting her artwork during the Covid pandemic, which is distinguished by the Norfolk longhorn wool that she uses as part of her illustrations.

READ MORE: Mum and son to spend Mother's Day together - in prison

She was left amazed when one day, out of the blue, she met an author at her art stall who, after a few weeks, asked if she would illustrate her first book.

Eastern Daily Press: Author Karen Allen, left, with illustrator Jo Forster, right, and designer Gail D'Almaine, with the book Little Spiders Big Adventures.Author Karen Allen, left, with illustrator Jo Forster, right, and designer Gail D'Almaine, with the book Little Spiders Big Adventures. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Little Spiders, Big Adventures by Karen Allen was launched on Friday with Jo hosting a celebratory event in her shop.

READ MORE: Long-serving teacher 'lost for words' by surprise school reunion

"It has already had such a good response," said Karen, who lives in Norwich.

"I met with my friend Gail D'Almaine, the book's designer, to talk about releasing a book, and it went from there.

"The book is dedicated to my grandson Luca, who is obsessed with spiders and has a pet jumping spider, who the character in the book is inspired by."