ORGANISERS have hailed a flagship food and drinks festival a success.

The first Crouch Valley Festival of Food and Drink was held this weekend at Riverside Park in Burnham.

Visitors from far and wide came to enjoy a smorgasbord of foods which showcased the best of Maldon and beyond.

Vendors provided ales, fudge, baked goods, paella and much more.

Community services boss Sue White said: “I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Crouch Valley Festival in Burnham and I had a fabulous time.

“It was a huge success, with thousands of people enjoying quality food, drink and music from the local area.

“We are very proud to have worked with local, farmers, vineyards, brewers, food producers and others, representing the area’s wonderful variety of produce.

“Our special thanks to Basics Essex Accident Rescue Service, whose volunteers helped the event run so smoothly.

“A big thanks to Magnox for their support, Maldon Scaffolding Services, Maldon and District CVS, Burnham Town Council, all the bands, dancers and artists on the main stage, all the food and drink producers, the hardworking Council staff, all our ‘Crouch Valley Letters’ artists and groups and all the businesses and individuals who helped make the event happen.”