A Christmas grotto was officially opened yesterday by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.

Santa’s grotto, at the Restore Community Church, on The Broadway, Debden, featured face painting, free fairground rides and festive entertainment.

Mrs Laing arrived at the event in a horse drawn carriage, joined by Father Christmas and Epping Forest District Council chairwoman Mary Sartin, her husband John and Loughton mayor Jill Angold-Stephens.

A Christmas dinner draw also took place, as well as a name-the-sheep competition and a Christmas dinner for elderly residents.