Thousands gather for village's 28th donkey derby

The £25,000 event, which took place on the Village Green yesterday (July 5) entertained around 4,000 people with a series of competitive donkey races as well as a special lamb race featuring livestock from Lea Valley Park Farm.

Dog owners entered their four-legged friends into a fun dog show, and children had the opportunity to get involved in a range of family entertainments including bouncy castles, funfair rides and games such as hook-a-duck or welly wanging.

Event organiser Bob Penman said: "It went very well.

"We had about 4,000 people at the event last year and I think we probably had about that again this year.

Riders prepared themselves before the first of the donkey races.

"It rained on the Sunday morning but it didn't get us down and the weather brightened up by about 2pm.

"Everyone had a very good time.

"At first we were a little concerned that the Epping Town Show had an event the same day but it didn't affect us.

"I fact I think we ended up getting the overspill from that event.

"Normally if all goes well we raise around £10,000 to £11,000."

One rider led her donkey to the starting line.

Face-painting, crafts and other stalls were on offer, along with a tea tent, Indian food, candy floss, ice cream and sweets.

All proceeds raised by the event, which are still being calculated, went towards the Theydon Bois Scout and Guide groups and those in surrounding villages.