HUNDREDS of people attended a procession and church service to celebrate community spirit in Brightlingsea.

The event saw the crowd leave from the town’s parish hall in Victoria Place and walk to St James’ Church, in High Street, for a joint civic service, with a band leading the way.

It was held by the mayor of Brightlingsea, Vivien Chapman, and the deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea, Roger Tabor.

Also in attendance were Scouts, Guides and Rainbows, mayors and councillors from other towns, and members of the Royal British Legion.

Three choirs performed during the afternoon service and the Rev Nicholas Henshall, the Dean of Chelmsford, gave the address.

Mr Tabor said: “It is a way to say thank you to the organisations and to come together.

“It went extremely well and I was delighted by the response we had.”