Chipping Hill's annual Medieval Fayre smashed all records on Saturday, raising a best-ever figure of over £5,200 for St Nicolas' Church in Witham.

Over 3,000 people packed the churchyard and Chipping Hill green for the event, which is now in its 23rd year.

This year's theme was Robin Hood and his Merrie Men, with stallholders in medieval dress, Morris dancing and jousting.

Organiser, deputy churchwarden, Andrew Hunt, paid tribute to everyone who had made the event a huge success.

"We are very, very pleased, it was an excellent day," he said.

The previous record was £4,800, he said, with all profits going to the running of the 13th century parish church.

"The medieval fayre is now an essential part of church life," he said. "It is a way to show that Christians aren't stuffy, but people who get together and work hard for the local community, having a lot of fun at the same time.

"We would like to thank everyone who took part, from the church and across the community. This shows that the church is very much alive and kicking in the town."

Mr Hunt paid special tribute to students from Howbridge, Powers Hall and Rickstones schools who provided musical and other entertainment.

Two Robin Hoods for the price of one - Mike Robinson and Francis Wall with Pam Hunt as Maid Marion.

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