THE organisers of next year's Loughton Festival are looking for extra hands to help them prepare.

Festival director Sue Taylor is appealing for support with fund-raising, marketing and management to make the event extra special.

Next year's festival will take place throughout April, and sessions already planned include an art and creative writing event at High Beach, an afternoon of talks, and two concerts.

A new group, the Loughton Festival Friends, has been formed with the aim of holding quiz nights, day trips, and coffee mornings to help fund-raise, and its first meeting is scheduled for September.

To find out more, or to offer your help, contact Sue Taylor on 020 8508 2512 or visit loughtonfestival.org.uk