Huge crowds came out on a glorious sunny afternoon to enjoy the Jessel Green Community Fun Day.

Although the threat of the field's destruction for housing hangs over the area, it failed to dampen spirits of the hundreds of people who attended.

As well as plenty of rides and inflatables, entertainment came in the form of dancers from St John's School, who enthralled the audience before a choir delivered some up-beat pop hits.

While some shrugged off the near 30°C heat to scale a climbing wall, others tucked into picnics on the grass while the Essex Kite Group performed stunts overhead.

Stephen Murray, independent district councillor and town mayor, addressed crowds at the pre-World Cup Final event.

He said: "Your presence today will send another clear message to Epping Forest District Council what this green means to us here in Loughton.

"Loughton residents have used this green for centuries to celebrate the safe bringing in of the harvest.

"Some 70 years ago the planners and builders of the Debden estate had the foresight to retain this green lung in the centre of our community.

"All of Loughton’s 14 district councillors and 22 town councillors have vigorously spoken and voted in defence of our green.

"The Save Jessel Green grassroots community campaign has shown the strength of feeling on this issue.

"Loughton Town Council will continue to do all it can to protect this treasured space".

"So lets send a further clear message to the council today. Hands off our green.

"If village greens are important to other towns and villages in Epping Forest they are just as important to us".

Other politicians in attendance included Steven Nevill, leader of the Green Party.

After the event he Tweeted: "Just been to the fabulous Jessel Green Fun Day.

Fantastic event which highlighted why Jessel Green is such an important resource for Loughton, and should not be lost."