A shop opening in Norwich was made a family affair today as a family grouped together to celebrate the success of their South African business.

With a barbecue on the go, owner of the Out of Africa Trading Post, Paul Smith, was joined by his father and wife, Barry and Sharon, and his mother, sister and her son, Yvonne, Paula and Matthew Elsby, at the official opening of the shop on Wensum Street in Tombland.

Mr Smith, from Mulbarton, originally opened the business on Norwich market seven months ago, but due to increased demand for stock space, he decided to open a shop instead.

'The people of Norwich are loving the products,' he explained.

'It's been said by quite a few customers that it's like an Aladdin's cave, and that touches my heart when people say that.'

Mr Smith, who feared he may never work again after a neck injury could have left him paralysed last year, has used his experience of living in South Africa to influence the shop's stock.

He said: 'Because I lived [there] for 26 years and I met my wife there, I developed such a love for the unique tastes and cultures of South Africa and Africa.'

Mr Smith said he would stock what he describes as 'all the favourite' South African delicacies and traditional foods as well as African Art and curios and the people who came to the celebrations today were treated to a sample of traditional African food.

Mrs Smith explained that they have been very welcomed in the area and added: 'We've been really well supported since starting here especially as there are so many people living in the city from all over the place.'

For more information visit www.outofafricatradingpost.co.uk

Do you have a story about a family working together to achieve success? Contact Evening News reporter Donna-Louise Bishop on 01603 772438 or email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk