HUNDREDS of locals descended on a park in Halstead last weekend for a day of stall-shopping, wowing entertainment, tasty foods and charity fundraising.

Halstead Public Garden’s, which has recently been shortlisted in the hunt for the country’s best park, held its inaugural Summer Fayre on Saturday, welcoming around 900 guests.

The award-winning green space played host to a variety of activities and performances including hypnotising belly dancing and mind-boggling magic tricks.

A cute dog competition, which was won by Lily-Mae and Poppy the dog, melted the hearts of the pooch lovers in attendance, and the town’s fire service was also on hand throughout the day to offer advice on fire safety.

The event was in aid of Mayor Andrew Munday’s chosen charity the Halstead Day Centre and hundreds of pounds is expected to have been raised.

Once the total has been calculated, he will be presented with a cheque by the fayre's organisers.

Hev Pittuck, who volunteered at the event, said: “With more than 30 food, drink, craft and fashion stalls, fabulous entertainment and a dog competition to finish off the day, the Summer Fayre was a huge success.

“We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”