A SUCCESSFUL community fun day saw more than 700 residents turn out in the sunshine, to enjoy the wealth of free activities on offer.

The St Anne’s Community Hall Association held their annual community fun day which was officially opened by Colchester mayor Tim Young, who attended along with mayoress Nicola Goodchild taking part in the activities themselves.

Visitors were able to enjoy an inflatable assault course, witness the skills of a magician, take part in workshops, a free barbecue and ice cream.

The community day took place at St Anne’s Community Hall Association at the Oak Tree Centre in Harwich Road, Colchester.

The event was funded by Colchester Borough Homes, as well as  ward councillors Mike Hogg, Helen Chuah and Paul Smith.

The event’s organisers expressed gratitude to all those who came along, enjoyed the activities and supported the event, including the Oak Tree Centre team, Colchester Centurion Rotary Club and local youth club.

The free community event proved to be a success with several councillors and PSCOs in attendance, mingling with the public.

Members of the Colchester Centurion Rotary Club also manned the barbecue, ensuring no-one went hungry on the day.

Volunteers from each group ensured the day could run smoothly and was enjoyed by all.

Debby Eley, Oak Tree centre manger,said: “We were so happy to welcome everyone for another Family Fun Day here at the Oak Tree Centre, St Anne’s.

“It was so lovely to see so many of our residents come out to support us on the day.

“With all the doom and gloom surrounding fuel poverty and overstretched food banks at the moment, we were pleased to be able to offer this free event for our community.

"Everyone was able to enjoy the event, without it having to impact their pockets."