Families enjoyed storytelling, face-painting and more at a day of free activities in Saffron Walden's Market Square.

Saffron Walden Town Council said they were delighted with the "impressive" turnout at the event on Friday, August 9.

Members of Saffron Hall's cast of Treasure Island provided two 30-minute activity sessions which included songs, games and plenty of adventure to find the hidden treasure.

The cast of 'Treasure Island' outside Saffron Walden Town HallThe cast of 'Treasure Island' outside Saffron Walden Town Hall (Image: Saffron Walden Town Council)

Children could also listen to storytelling from Essex Mobile Library, visit the Buffy Playbus and take part in face-painting and colouring.

Kerry Mattholie, project manager for Buffy Playbus, said: "The view looking out from the top deck was amazing!

"Families filled the Market Square, all enjoying the free activities that were on offer.

"We welcomed 153 children and their parents/carers onto the bus across the four-hour event which is incredible.

"It was fantastic to see familiar faces whilst also welcoming lots of new families onto the bus.

"Community events like this are a lifeline to so many families during the summer who struggle to afford to keep their children entertained across the six-week break.

"We are grateful to the town council for inviting us along and look forward to working with them in the future."

Mayor of Saffron Walden Cllr Deryk Eke also attended the event, and launched his raffle for a chance to win free tickets to BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair on Sunday, September 1.

A Saffron Walden BID member commented: "Brilliant activities in the square on Friday - so lovely to see many families and children in a traffic free zone, with no cars doing the merry go round trying to find a parking space!

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"Well done town council! We had a great days' trading with mums and dads stocking up for the weekend."

The Buffy Playbus will be back at Beach on the Common tomorrow (Friday, August 16) and on Friday, August 23 from 10am to 3pm.

Saffron Walden Cricket Club will also be at the Common from 10am to 2pm on Thursday, August 22. All ages are welcome and there is no need to book.

For the more competitive, batting, bowling and catching competitions will be held at 11am, midday and 1pm.