The great and good of the town's art world came together on Saturday for the launch of the Loughton Art Trail.

Boosted by £10,000 of lottery funding, the trail has 100 local artists exhibiting work in venues as diverse as Lifeworks, Loughton Library and Crate in Debden Industrial Estate.

Eleanor Laing MP was present at the methodist church based party to mark the occasion.

She cut a cake in the shape of an artist’s palette, made by Latifa Hassanati, who runs the Fabulicious Baking School in Loughton.

Mrs Laing said: "What a wonderful event. It was a great pleasure to launch the Loughton Arts Trail and to have the opportunity to meet so many very talented artists and to see their wonderful paintings and sculptures.

"I congratulate everyone involved for bringing together local businesses and artists in this brilliant initiative."

Also present were chairman of Epping Forest District Council David Stallan, deputy mayor of Loughton, Stephen Minnan and town councillor Stephen Pewsey.

Diane Rhodes, director of The Lopping Hall Gallery - where many of the artists exhibiting work at The Loughton Art Trail had previously exhibited - was also in attendance, having been busy extending the art trail to her gallery prior to the launch.

Jenna Thorne, the co-ordinator of Lifeworks, delivered a speech and thanked the artists and all those taking part for their hard work.

The Art Trail will now run until June 2.

Brochures can be found at Lopping Hall Gallery and also the Methodist Church coffee shop.

Go to www.loughtonarttrail.co.uk to find out more.