Bosses at the Norwich art venue The Garage say they are looking forward to an even brighter future after marking nearly a decade in the city.

At the venue's ninth birthday celebrations, friends and supporters also said goodbye to chairman of trustees Peter Mitchell and welcomed his replacement, Maggie Wheeler.

Ms Wheeler, who was previously chairman of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said she was coming in at an exciting time, and praised Mr Mitchell for his hard work in getting The Garage to its current position.

'I feel very privileged to be asked to be chairman,' said Ms Wheeler.

'I am passionate about Norwich and keen that The Garage plays its full part in the cultural scene of the city – especially showing what young people can contribute.'

The Garage, based in Chapel Field North, is introducing a new five-year plan, although the exact details of this have yet to be revealed.

Ms Wheeler said she hoped to continue the venue's journey from the 'championship to the premiership' of youth arts.

Mr Mitchell said: 'It has been fantastic to be able to guide and support the charity as it has developed over recent years. We have just put in place a great plan for the future and as The Garage moves confidently forward with this plan, the time is also right for Maggie to take over from me as chairman.'

A performance of Bottleneck, by Halesworth's HighTide Festival Theatre company celebrated the birthday, while Mr Mitchell was presented with a photograph of local young people performing at the venue's open night.

The Garage's director, Darren Grice, said: 'Now we're looking ahead at the next five years, ensuring we have a vision that will challenge us and refine and improve all that we do.'

The Garage offers classes, projects and workshops focused on young people aged eight to 25.