YOUNG artists were inspired as the pavement in Southend became a canvass for the day.

Chalk Fest, one of the many popular events which make up the Southend Festival, took place on Saturday as families descended on the pavement outside the Victoria Shopping Centre to create art.

The event, which will return this Sunday for more art-based fun, sees youngsters encouraged to create fun, bright and spontaneous artwork on the pavements at the top of the High Street.

The event is hosted by the popular and well-known Southend artist, John Bulley, the founder of Estuary Fringe and the man behind a number of the murals regularly seen in the High Street.

The fun art event forms part of the Southend Festival, organised by Southend BID, and is a month-long celebration of art, comedy, music, theatre and much much more.

It features a load of quirky events throughout Southend town centre and seafront.

Chalk Fest is returning to the town centre on Sunday and youngsters will be invited to create more fantastic street art from 11am to 3pm at Royal Square, behind the Royals Shopping Centre.

On Saturday, there is a Paint The Town event at Market Place at 11am, where people will be encouraged to paint the streets - inspired by the streets of Amsterdam.