She has been selling everything from toys to books, plants and homemade jams, pickles, pies and homegrown vegetables for more than half a century.

And Shirley Ramm, from Dereham, does not run her Friday stall in Nelson's Place for profit, but to support animal charities and pet owners in need.

And now the town has come together to celebrate Mrs Ramm as she marked her 80th birthday.

Her daughter, Tanya Norris, arranged flowers and a cake to be delivered.

Dereham Times: Shirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall, with people from across the town coming to wish her a happy birthdayShirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall, with people from across the town coming to wish her a happy birthday (Image: Tanya Norris)

Messages of love and support for Mrs Ramm flooded in on social media and dozens of people dropped by to congratulate her in person on the milestone.

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Mrs Ramm said: "It was overwhelming. I did not really know half the people, but they said they know me and what I do.

Dereham Times: Shirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall as her daughter, Tanya

“I'm Dereham born and bred, I’ve never moved out.

"In 1963 I started to do work for the cat protection league when it was in Gressenhall, that gave me the urge to get up and go, and I have never looked back.”

Dereham Times: Shirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall, with people from across the town coming to wish her a happy birthdayShirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall, with people from across the town coming to wish her a happy birthday (Image: Tanya Norris)

Mrs Ramm's fundraising efforts have helped people pay their vet bills and supported charities such as Red Wings and Venture Farms.

She said she was taken aback by the flowers and gifts townsfolk gave her to mark her birthday.

Tanya said she was happy for her mum and delighted with the response to the celebration.

She said: “I am just so proud of my mum and happy for her that she brings smiles and enjoyment to so many people.

"She makes me emotional and I am so happy she can keep doing it.”

Dereham Times: Shirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall, with people from across the town coming to wish her a happy birthdayShirley Ramm from Dereham was honoured at her traditional Friday stall, with people from across the town coming to wish her a happy birthday (Image: Tanya Norris)

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Mrs Ramm said she had no intention of slowing down and vowed to keep running her stall for many years to come. 

She said: “When I’m in a wheelchair you can come push me.”

The family said they wanted to thank Jade Dyker for her support in running the stall for the past year.