Interactive belly dancing and ferret racing are just two of the attractions on offer at the The Friends of Swaines Green Conservation group's May Bank Holiday Fayre.

Now in its seventeenth year, the day attracted its biggest ever in the glorious bank holiday weekend weather.

The Friends of Swaines Green were ably supported by the 1st Theydon Garnon Scouts and the Epping Army Cadets.

As well as the less traditional Arabic dance lessons were UK fete classics such as Morris Dancing, donkey rides and Punch and Judy show, alongside stalls locally produced jams, preserves, honey, and plant.

Jacqui Mortimer, the Friends acting chair said: “The Friends of Swaines Green would like to say a very big Thank You to the new owners of the Thatch Cottage for continuing to allow the Fayre to be held on their land.

"We were very pleased to see so many families having a good time and would like to thank all those who visited our Fayre and made this such a wonderful traditional day out.

"Save the date - next year’s Fayre will be on Saturday May 4."

The group's AGM will be held on June 6 in the Conference Room, Epping Town Council Offices, St John's Road, Epping, from 8pm to 10pm with guest speaker Cherry McCredie on Hedgehog Preservation.

Go to www.swainesgreen.org.uk or its Facebook page.