CHILDREN played in the street while adults got to know their neighbours during a 'Big Lunch' street party.
Robin Hood Road, Brentwood was closed to traffic on Sunday as residents dined together in the sunshine. Around 200 people gathered outside as part of a national initiative to encourage communities to get together.
Penny Richardson, 51, organised the event in aid of the Havering-atte-Bower charity, Saint Francis Hospice, with each household giving a donation to the cause.
Miss Richardson's father, who died in February from cancer, was cared for by the hospice.
She said: "I wanted to thank the hospice for their work and it's a charity which affects people locally.
"There is a lot to celebrate this year, as well as it being the sixtieth anniversary of the Queen's coronation we also celebrated the fact that Father Jenkins, who lives on our road, has been vicar for 25 years. Two ladies are also expecting babies."
She added: "The lunch couldn't have gone any better – we had fantastic weather and a fantastic response.
"For the children it was heaven as they never normally get to play in the road – it gave them so much freedom."
The event raised £600 for Saint Francis Hospice.
