CHILDREN donned their scariest pirate costumes for the Lord Mayor of London’s annual fancy dress party.

Oliver Hudson, 7, from Woodford Green, and his friend Jamie Tyrell, 6, who is from Loughton, were chosen to attend the party at Mayor Dr Andrew Parmley’s In Monument, on Saturday.

Oliver’s grandfather, Michael Hudson, who is a member of the City’s Court of Common Council, nominated the two boys to attend the party, which is held every year for children aged between six and nine.

Guests were treated to a Punch and Judy show, as well as a conga led by Dr Parmley and a live band in the 18th century State Rooms and Egyptian Hall.

Oliver’s father, Andrew Hudson, said his son and Jamie, who both attend Oaklands School, Loughton, enjoyed taking part in various activities throughout the evening – although they weren’t keen on the live animal show.

The 40-year-old said: “It was a brilliant party. There was no particular theme, but Oliver and Jamie dressed up as pirates.

“There was also a live animal show, which gave the children the opportunity to hold a giant spider. Oliver wasn’t keen to go near it though, as he was afraid he would have dropped it.”