AN arts and crafts centre is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The Dedham Art and Craft Centre on High Street was formerly a church but was closed as a place of worship in December 1979.

It reopened in April 1984 after renovation work to preserve the period features was carried out and included exhibits such as hand knitting and quilting, silk printing, pressed flower pictures, candles, sliver and collages.

Thirty years later the centre is still open and managers Miriam and Michael Clark are celebrating a decade at the helm themselves.

“We are very proud we have been able to continue the work the founding partners started,” said Mrs Clark.

“Although we have retained the focus as arts and crafts we have introduced Charlie 6, a contemporary approach to lifestyle and retail, invested in the business and adapted to meet the modern customer’s tastes.”