A free community event attended by thousands of people has been hailed a success.

The Love Loughton festival at St Mary’s Church in High Road, Loughton, on Saturday featured various stalls, games, performances and workshops for all the family.

The Staples Road Primary School Choir opened the festival.

Administrator for St Mary’s Church Amanda Hart said: “It was a brilliant day, there were hundreds of children and we were very fortunate with the weather.

“Staples Road Primary School put on a great opening act and our church steel band group, ‘Create’ had their first performance which went very well.

“The day was absolutely lovely and it was a great event for the local community.”