Thousands of people enjoyed an Epping festive tradition during the town’s annual Christmas tree festival.

The show, which ran between December 1 and 4 at St John’s Church, brought together community group and local businesses, who all decorated a tree for the competition.

Across the four days, more than 2,000 visitors came, judged the trees and voted for their favourites, while also enjoying food, drink and other stalls.

Musical entertainment was also on offer during the festival, with performances by the Epping Church Choirs Association, The Children’s Christmas Concert, Coopersale Hall School Choir and The Epping Forest Band.

Town Mayor Tony Church opened the event turning on the Christmas Tree Lights.

Reverend Lee Batson said: “It was such a joy to see the church full of so many trees, and to reflect that every section of our community was represented in some way - be it a school, voluntary organisation, church group or local business.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the 2017 tree festival the most successful so far, and particular thanks to Jacqui Mortimer for pulling it all together.”

Scouts of 1st Theydon Garnon Scout Group counted votes from the public after the festival had finished.

Epping in Bloom won the best tree by a community organisation, while Little Lambs won the best church organisation tree.

The Specialist Orthodontic Practice took the best tree by a business award, Ivy Chimneys Primary School won the best school tree prize and Kerri Wood was the individual entry winner.