More than 200 cream teas were gobbled up at the opening of a re-landscaped church garden intended to bring people together.

Representatives from Muslim and Buddhist communities, youth groups and those who were just plain curious, turned out to see the new gardens at St Andrew’s Church.

Rev Marie Segal, of the church in The Drive, Ilford, said: “It was a long but amazing day – it was wonderful.

“We were blessed with the weather which was dry and sunny. Enjoying a garden space, to stop and pause, is something the community has in common.”

A Brownies troupe entertained the crowds with maypole dancing and the ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Muhammed Javed.

Mrs Segal said: “Our community in Ilford is one of different faiths and cultures and we need to be interacting and finding common ground. The more conversations we have, the more tolerant we become of each other, which is why it’s so important.”