More than 10 shop owners and businesses showcased and sampled their wares at the Barkingside High Street Festival in a bid to draw in new customers to the area.

The festival, held yesterday in Ken Aston Square, was organised by Sophia Hubs as a part of Independent Retailer Month, which runs throughout July, and featured a variety of stalls set up by local stores.

Lithuanian food store staff Diana Skurvydiate and Greta Miskiniene offered free tasters whilst members of The Redbridge Music Lounge performed songs for passersby and the Redbridge Voluntary Care campaigned for new volunteers.

Festival coordinator Ros Southern said: “I chose Barkingside because it’s a pretty lively high street with loads of independent shops and the town square is not being used much - it’s the perfect place.

“It’s important to celebrate what we have and do what we can to bring the shops more customers and stop shops closing down.”