HUNDREDS of metres of colourful bunting has been put up around Burnham to the mark 50 years of the town’s lifeboat station.

The idea was the brainchild of textile artist Julia Mells and her group, Burnham Stitch Up, who worked with groups around the town to create the 30 metre lengths of bunting.

They have now been strung up between Burnham’s lifeboat station at Burnham marina to the old station near Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

Burnham Art Trail has also been involved in the project holding workshops to create the bunting.

Groups who have taken part include pupils at Ormiston Rivers Academy, St Marys Primary School and Burnham County Primary School.

Brownies groups from across the Dengie have also taken part as well as Burnham Club Scouts.

The Dorcas sewing group, Burnham Women’s Insitute, Maplin Women’s Institute, The Dengie D-Café, and Create and Flourish have also contributed to the project.

Tracy Saunders, Burnham Art Trail co-ordinator, said: “One hundred and eighty five art flags have been designed and decorated by eleven community groups, workshops and one or two creative individuals from Burnham and the surrounding area.

“Approximately 200 adults and children have taken part, including all ages and abilities ranging from pre- school children, aged four, and those in their eighties, some of whom suffer from dementia, making this a true community project.

“The flags celebrate the great work that the RNLI do plus some of the things that people love about Burnham.

“Some are painted or dyed, some are stitched and some combine textile techniques. A few have some facts about the RNLI on them.”

The project has received funding from a number of organisations including Burnham Town Council, the RNLI and Burnham Art Trial.

For more information about the art trail, visit burnhamarttrail.co.uk or emailtracy@burnhamarttrail.co.uk.