"HERE'S to the next 20 years!"
That was the toast raised at Pleasure Island as the park's staff, owners and loyal customers celebrated it's 20th birthday.
The occasion was marked by children's favourite Peppa Pig, who officially opened the park's newest attraction, the Furry Friends Farm – and met some of her biggest fans.
The £500,000 new farm is home to Shetland ponies, pygmy goats, piglets and pigs, calves and cows and is already proving a "farm" favourite with visitors, as reported.
Introducing Pleasure Island's star guest, park owner Melanie Wood said: "Thank you for joining us for this very special day.
"It's our 20th anniversary today and to celebrate we have got a very important person joining us."
After cutting the ribbon and, like any good pig would, having a snuffle at the specially baked birthday cake, Peppa took the time to meet and greet her fans.
Among them was three-year-old Cleethorpes resident Alyssia Calvert, who is Peppa's self-proclaimed "biggest fan".
She was delighted to have her picture taken with the star and show-off her Peppa Pig jacket at the same time.
Her mum, Danielle Bilbe, said Alyssia had been up – and crying in anticipation – since 7am.
She said: "We have been here a few times, but the main attraction for us has been meeting Peppa Pig and seeing the animals."
And Alyssia wasn't the only one.
Before Peppa even put in an appearance, her fans were queuing up to meet her.
Becki Douglas, 8, of Cleethorpes, also said she was a big fan.
She said: "I come to Pleasure Island quite a lot in the summer holidays – sometimes I come about twice a week.
"I really like it here. There are so many rides it is hard to pick a favourite, but I think if I had to pick, I think I would say I like the Mini Mine Train the best.
"I really like the petting zoo too. I come here when it's feeding time.
"The guinea pigs are my favourite animals."
Later, Melanie said the whole event had proved to be a great success.
She said: "It's been a great day – well, a good weekend actually.
"We couldn't have ordered better weather and people seem to be really enjoying themselves."
She also said she wished to thank the park's loyal local fans, who keep coming back time after time.
She said: "Without the locals, I dare say that Pleasure Island wouldn't be here.
"We are very grateful for their support over the past 20 years and we hope we can provide them with a great destination for the next 20 years."
ON THE WEB: For more pictures, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk where you can also find details of upcoming events at the park.
