A CARAVAN park near Tenbury is marking its 60th birthday.

But it is a birthday like no one could have imagined when the site was opened in 1960.

After frustrating months of being closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic the caravan park is now able to welcome visitors again.

People who come to the site visit Tenbury spending money in the shops, pubs and restaurants.

The reopening of the site could not have come at a more important time for the town and surrounding area as it tries to recover from the impact of flooding earlier in the year and then the arrival of the coronavirus.

Holiday accommodation venues like caravan parks, hotels and bed and breakfast establishments will be hoping that they pick up business from people who may be reluctant to book an overseas holiday this year but want to be able to get away nearer to home.

Although people visit Tenbury throughout the year July and August are the busiest months.

Worcestershire touring caravan site celebrates its 60th year being a Certificated Location with The Caravan and Motorhome Club.

The Jones family started diversification in 1960 at New House Farm, St Michaels outside Tenbury.

Hosting caravan rallies and becoming one of the first local certified location sites of the Caravan Club (now known as the Caravan and Motorhome Club).

The 5 CL has changed a lot since 1960. In the late 1990’s electric hook-ups were installed and during the early 2000’s a shared toilet block and hardstanding pitches were put in, allowing customers more choice depending on the weather.

The CL site also benefits from a store and stay service, meaning storage customers who are members of The Caravan and Motorhome Club can use the 5 CL site without having to tow the caravan anywhere. It is put onto a pitch for them to enjoy their holiday without having to tow. Recent developments include winter heating for the toilet block and planting 200m of beech hedging on the farm.

Having welcomed rallies for many years there is more demand than ever.

Rallies come from all over the UK. The site has been taking bookings for the next two years during lockdown.

Orchard Holiday Park at New House Farm is looking ahead to a busy summer and autumn season, with plenty of plans for the future.

It is now hoping for a good summer in order to be able to make up for lost time because of the coronavirus pandemic.