MP Iain Duncan Smith delved into the history of his constituency when he joined Redbridge councillors to tour the History of Woodford exhibition.

The MP for Chingford and Woodford Green visited the exhibition, which includes photos, films and documents, at South Woodford Library, High Road, today.

Using exhibits from Redbridge Museum in Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, the exhibition was included in the programme for the nine-day Woodford Festival.

Mr Duncan Smith met area two committee councillors and residents and read about the work of a predecessor, Sir Winston Churchill, MP for Epping Division, incorporating Woodford and Wanstead, from 1924 to 1945 and of Woodford from then to 1964.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “I was excited about seeing the exhibition.

“I’m a die-hard history lover and can always be found reading a history book when I’m not working.

“The Woodford Festival is a great way to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of our local area.”

The nine-day Woodford Festival programme, which includes art trails, concerts and guided walks, runs until Sunday.

Visit www.woodfordfestival.org.uk.

The exhibition, which tells the history of Woodford Bridge, Woodford Green and South Woodford over the last 500 years, can be viewed until October 27.