A glimpse into the world of Grocontinental was taken up by more than 250 people.

The site open day gave members of staff, their families and friends the chance to experience guided tours of the company’s 35-acre site, which included the latest and largest warehouse to be built – a 75,000 sq ft chilled store with 32,000 pallet spaces.

Also on display was a restored vintage cattle truck, bought in 1968 by company chairman Ray Grocott, warehousing reach trucks and current vehicles which children were invited to sit in.

“Our business has expanded rapidly over recent years and we thought it would be a great opportunity to invite members of staff and their families and friends to take a look around the site and see how our business works,” said Linda Grocott, the managing director.

“Most importantly, we thought it would be great for children to see where their mums and dads worked.

“We received some great feedback following the event, even from people who work here, who had the time to have a proper look around the whole site and see areas they were unfamiliar with.

“A number of former employees came along too, including drivers who worked with us back in the 1970s.

“They were staggered by how much the business has grown in recent years.”

A hog roast was served following the tours and children were presented with a series of goodies, including model lorries, lunch boxes and water bottles to take home.