IT'S been a rollercoaster ride but Tricia Friar had every reason to celebrate the 18th anniversary of children's shop Munchkins on Saturday.

Customers old and new queued up to offer their congratulations as Tricia, a former chairwoman of North-wich retailers, invited everyone to join in the party. She laid on a free face painting session and gave away gifts, balloons and birthday cake.

Looking back over the years she said: 'It has been a rollercoaster, especially when the road bridges were closed for repairs - a lot of people went elsewhere -but thankfully that is all behind us, and we are now looking forward to the regeneration of the town.'

Tricia is one of the main contributors to the annual toy appeal organised by the Chronicle and Vale Royal Lions.