RESIDENTS across north Essex enjoyed tea, coffee and sweet treats as part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Dozens of events took place on Friday at businesses and community spaces across the area, including at Firstsite Gallery in Colchester.

Nessa Shults organised the event at the popular gallery with a special a “Bee Positive” theme.

She said: “My dad Brian used to keep bees many years ago and they have always reminded me of him.

“I wanted to do something to remember him and Bee Positive seems like a good message for a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan. We made little cards to give out to people with a message on.

“It was not the most successful in terms of the amount of money we raised, but we got rid of most of the cakes and it was really nice meeting new people and chatting with them.”

Residents of Groom House, a sheltered and older persons housing scheme in St Annes Road, Clacton, raised £622 by baking and selling cakes, and organising a raffle.

Revellers also enjoyed live music from Steve and Sandra of Rhythm of the Night, who donated their time free of charge.

Empress Fitness Studio, in Davey Close, Colchester, managed to raise £113.

A spokesman said: “We shimmied through Zumba then all shared some cake, an unusual treat.”

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is a national event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.