Residents got dressed to impress for a day at Ascot.

More than 100 women from Hornchurch including Cllr Barbara Matthews and writer Kimberley Chambers donned their hats and suits for the races on Wednesday June 20.

Organiser Tina Varney said: “It was such a big day and we had a fantastic time.

“The whole street came out as well to see us go off, it is something that we will be talking about for a long time.”

The ladies left Hairport Salon in Lyndhurst Drive, Hornchurch in three packed coaches and arrived at Ascot at 12.30pm.

Their day started with a picnic, with food delivered from The Sandwich Shop in Hornchurch, Alfresco Catering, Fruits For The Office and a pie and mash shop from Dagenham.

The group sipped champagne in their lawn seats while rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley.

Tina said: “It was an amazing day.

“It wasn’t just about the races, we mixed with high society and everyone got dressed up and I just loved looking at what everyone was wearing.”

Tina organised the day with Kirsty Hampshire as a way of bringing the community together.

She said: “I have been going to Ascot for five years, but this was the first year with such a big group.

“There was lots of community spirit and there are lots of men asking if they can come next year.”