CUSTOMERS joined Salvation Army commanding officer Major Graham Mizon and staff at the Olive Branch Tea Shop in Rushden to celebrate its first anniversary.

Balloons and banners greeted the customers as they entered the café, run by the Salvation Army.

It opened its doors to the public for the first time on Monday, as part of new Salvation Army Rushden headquarters in Church Street.

A slice of birthday cake was handed out to each customer on the anniversary day and to make sure that customers are receiving the service they want each was asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Major Mizon said: "There was a nice spirit with everyone sharing in the celebration."

He said the new building was being used far more than the Salvation Army community centre which stood on the site originally.

He said: "Since opening we have developed and grown into something much bigger."