Bosses at the Guildhall Shopping Centre have sent their thanks to the droves of Staffordians who turned out to help celebrate their 20th birthday last weekend.

More than 58000 people visited the centre between Friday and Sunday to take in the 'Working Life in Stafford' photographic exhibition, the VIP birthday party and the appearance of children's TV stars Fifi and Bumble.

The Centre's Marketing Manager Anne Graham was delighted with the response, and the support of retailers including the Early Learning Centre, Love at First Bite and The Original Cupcake Company.

She said: "We were very busy this weekend, with Sunday being a particularly good day for us as the footfall was up 6% on the same Sunday last year.

"And the Craberry Street mall, the home of the 'Working Life in Stafford' exhibition, had 17% higher footfall than the same week in 2010.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the help of the Early Learning Centre, who donated lots of toys and games for the children to play with, and Love at First Bite who created a beautiful giant anniversary cake for us.

"A notable mention must also go to The Original Cupcake Company, who ran some fabulous cake decorating workshops, which were very popular with our younger visitors."

The events on Saturday also raised £60 for the centre's chosen charity, the Donna Louise Children's Hospice.