A coconut shy, Thai food and a bouncy castle can only mean one thing – the St Mary’s Church open day.

The annual Food and Fun Day was held on Saturday and for the first time the church decided to join forces with the neighbouring Memorial Hall.

The two buildings, in High Road, South Woodford, threw open their doors to more than 400 people.

Rev Ian Tarrant said there were various stalls as well as demonstrations including dog training and dance performances.

“The Food and Fun day has been going on for 10 or 20 years but it’s the first time we have had the hall open day with it. It was a way of telling the community what these two institutions are doing.”

Visitors were able to visit the hall, a Grade II-listed building built in 1905, and climb the church’s tower.

Rev Tarrant said: “It’s a lovely view, you can even see the Dartford Crossing on a clear day.”