A VILLAGE'S festive fair has been hailed a resounding success after months of planning.

Bradwell-on-Sea village hall hosted a huge Christmas fair with more people attending than expected by the organisers.

Carol Hutton, from Bradwell-on-Sea WI, said: "The weather was miserable, overcast and the sky was full of rain, anxiety and worry was in the air as to whether there would be the visitors hoped for – so much hard work, organisation and preparation had been put into the day.

"Well we needn’t have worried – the Village Hall was bursting at the seams.

"The car park was quickly full and traffic had to be directed to the additional parking. Visitors just kept on coming, it was truly wonderful."

The Santa Express also dropped off more visitors who headed to the pop-up cafe first to warm up with a hot coffee and a mince pie or two.

>>> Bradwell-on-Sea to host bigger and better Christmas fair

As well as a choice of 60 stalls for Christmas shopping, guests enjoyed entertainment such as singers from St Cedds School, hand bell ringers and the Dengie Women Sing.

Organisers say the village hall was "buzzing".

Santa’s Grotto at The Cricketers pub was also a success thanks to landlords Christine and Tony with more children visiting Santa than expected.

The day finished with the curry and quiz night at the Kings Head.

The Fair was a financial success too and a significant amount will go to four beneficiaries, St Cedds School, The Village Hall, St Thomas Church and the Bradwell-on-Sea WI.