Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing has praised the festive and community spirit in Epping which has been highlighted by the Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Church and Epping Town Council's Christmas Market.
Visitors could vote for their favourites among the 60-plus decorated trees while a bumper crowd turned out throughout Saturday for the market, with some 50 stalls, and festive entertainment including singing and a visit from two reindeer.
The Christmas Tree Festival continues today.
Dame Eleanor said: "The tree festival is always a highlight of the festive season and it is clear to see from the wide array of organisations which have decorated trees the amount of community spirit there is in the town."
She added: "It was particularly poignant to see the Epping Team Ministry tree which highlights baby loss awareness."
Dame Eleanor also visited the Christmas market and met the winners of Epping Town Council's best festive window competition - Hammond and Smith estate agents - and the recipients of a Mayor's Choice award - Rosewood Pharmacy.
Dame Eleanor said: "Congratulations to all the businesses who entered the competition. Epping has many independent businesses and it is great to see them entering into the festive spirit."
