THE weather may not have been in celebratory mood when Trago Mills in Falmouth threw a party to mark its 50th birthday, but the crowds still came out to join in the fun and pick up a bargain.

Staff had planned to host a variety of events outdoors, but the stormy weather meant most things had to be moved indoors while a couple of gazebos were put up to shelter customers from the rain.

Despite this though, the birthday party was a huge success. "It was absolutely brilliant and even though it was raining we were still busy, " said deputy store manager, Craig Lawry. "There was a real buzz. The entertainment was brilliant - it was all crammed inside but it actually made it a bit better atmosphere to be honest. All the customers seemed to like it."

There was live music from the Stonehearted Mama, four Punch and Judy shows, a barbecue and a birthday cake which was shared with customers.

Among the highlight of the day were the two charity auctions which saw customers bidding for a range of items from stock, from washing machines to cuddly toys. By the end of the day these had raised around £2,400 which will be donated to the RNLI.