A bee keeping area was reopened last week following a 20 year closure.

The apiary at Roding Road Allotments in Roding Road, Loughton, relaunched in front of Loughton Town Mayor Judy Jennings, Town Clerk Enid Walsh and Duty Town Clerk Shirley Haynes, on Thursday (August 13).

The opening, which marked the return of the allotments bees, saw residents treated to a honey tasting session and the opportunity to examine bees and pollen under a microscope.

Organiser Peter Bell said: "The Roding road allotments welcomed residents to the apiary to mark the return of bees to the site after an absence of over 20 years.

"The Mayor and the Town Clerk looked at the main working hive with bee keeper David Mallindine.

"A talk was also given by the chairman of Essex Bee Keepers Association before the allotment committee and guests were treated to a honey tasting session.

"It was a lovely event."