New wave designer Zandra Rhodes last night spoke of her hope that a new exhibition would inspire a generation of Norfolk fashionistas while also highlighting the county's rich heritage.

New wave designer Zandra Rhodes last night spoke of her hope that a new exhibition would inspire a generation of Norfolk fashionistas while also highlighting the county's rich heritage.

The flamboyant designer - who was at the forefront of the 1970s international fashion scene and later designed for the Princess of Wales - toured the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.

Her visit marked the opening of two new galleries: The Arts of Living, and Treasure, Trade and the Exotic. Many of the artefacts had been mothballed for several years but will now be on public display.

Ms Rhodes described the exhibitions as “masterpieces”.

It includes the restored Paston Treasures, a unique still life recording the vast wealth of Robert Paston, the 1st Earl of Yarmouth.