A crowd of around 14,500 thronged Billericay for the 11th Christmas fun night.

Despite the efforts of some unruly youths to disrupt the event, organisers said they were pleased with Wednesday night's turnout.

The event was the 11th organised by the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower and Andy Baggott, chairman of the club's vocational committee, said: "On the whole it did go well.

"We have had comments from people who were impressed and said they will be coming back next year, which says a lot for the hard work of the Rotarians who helped organise this.

"It's something we have built on, and something we'll continue to build for the community of Billericay.

"It's a back slap for the community at large rather than one particular area or organisation."

The High Street was closed at 5.30pm until 9.30pm allowing stalls and fairground rides to be set up, while stores along the High Street kept their doors open late.

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