The eighth annual Cottons Park Fun Day was held on Sunday - despite heavy downpours of rain.

The event, which was attended by Mayor Cllr Lynden Thorpe, was packed with entertainment from dances by majorette troupe, The Russellettes, BMX stunts, to live music from a band called The Locals

An array of food from Romford Market was on offer, including noodles and hamburgers.

Activities included plate-smashing, donkey rides, and wall-climbing,

Ian Selby, chairman of the Friends of Cottons Park group, said: “Everybody gave positive feedback. It was a great event and great community feeling there.

“Because there is limited parking, you have to walk to get to the park and all the people were local residents who walk to the park with their children and families.”

Cottons Park has not always been the centre of community activity.

Mr Selby described it as being a “no go area” a few years ago, but through the Friends of Cottons Park group regeneration has occurred, encouraging many to visit the park.

Mr Selby told the Recorder that events like these are important for the park.

He said: “It was a community event for the local community. We brought the park back to local people.”