MORE than 250 people attended North Weald Bassett’s annual community awareness day in North Weald Village Hall.

The event, sponsored by Montagues of Epping, saw 24 organisations exhibit. Each visitor received a free carrier bag containing recycling bags and a variety of parish information leaflets, a free tea or coffee and scone and the opportunity to take part in tombolas, enter a Christmas card competition and a library competition, experience healing, enjoy a display by the Bassett Singers, meet fire officers, liaise with parish councillors and join local organisations from the scouts to the Royal British Legion. Parish council chairman Cyril Hawkins said: “This was a good day for the whole community. Parishioners got together and were able to see the variety of activities, clubs and organisations present in their parish. We hope to build on the success of this year’s event, and make sure 2009 is even better.”