One of the last events in an arts festival celebrated the life and work of one of a town’s best-known authors.

The night of readings was held at St Mary’s Church in Loughton High Road in honour of Arthur Morrison, who wrote novels based in the East End of London, best-selling detective stories and books about Japanese prints.

Morrison, who was born in Poplar, east London, lived at Salcombe House in Loughton during the 1890s, moving to Arabin House in High Beech in 1914, and wrote most of his books in the area.

The event began with a talk on the author by Eliza Cubbit, followed by readings from To London Town, set in Epping Forest.

One of his plays, The Dumb Cake, was performed by members of Loughton Amateur Dramatic Society and singers Jessica-Lee Hopkins and Jodie McGregor performed well-known Victorian songs.

The night was part of Loughton Festival and organiser Sue Taylor said: “Loughton came together to mark one of its most celebrated authors.”