A free family fun day featuring much-loved children's TV and film characters boosted Maldon and Burnham high streets last weekend.

Peppa Pig met families at Burnham Baptist Church, while Chase from PAW Patrol spent the day at the Black Rabbit car park in Maldon on Saturday (26 March), with the characters meeting more than 600 visitors throughout the sunny day.

The popular characters were joined by the Essex Cosplayers, who came to Maldon High Street for free dressed as a range of characters - including Superwoman, a TIE fighter pilot from Star Wars, Alastor Moody from Harry Potter and Nami from One Piece.

Other entertainment and activities held along both high streets during the day included live music, balloon modelling and craft tents, where children made windmills and planted sunflower seeds to take home.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council, who organised the events using the Welcome Back Fund, said the day "provided a great opportunity for residents to visit their local high streets and take part in extra activities".

The spokesperson added: "We hope the events provided a much needed boost to community wellbeing and local businesses with increased footfall on the day."

Adults received free tote bags and children were given drawstring bags to use when shopping in the town centres in the future, with organisers distributing a total of 2,000 bags.

A spokesperson for the event said: "It was a pleasure meeting so many of you and seeing you enjoy the activities in the welcome sunshine.

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"Please remember to shop local when you can - the high street is such an important part of your town and needs your business."

Maldon Carnival also launched its Easter trail on the day, and trail sheets are now available in each town's library.

Key Lime, a PR and marketing agency based in Billericay, delivered the events for the district council with the Welcome Back Fund.

The fund aims to support shoppers' return to high streets following lockdown.

All photos were provided by Essex photographer Daniel Reed.

You can see more of Daniel's work on his Instagram here.