Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing was among the thousands of people who turned out to support the second Cucumber Festival in Waltham Abbey.

Saturday’s event was aimed at raising the profile of the growers of cucumbers and peppers in the Lea Valley.

Mrs Laing, who was joined at the day-long event by Harlow MP Robert Halfon, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to go along and see so many people enjoying the festival and also be able to find out more about the growers whose industry plays such an important part in the lives of so many people in the Nazeing and Roydon part of our district.

“The festival is a great way for the growers to showcase their industry and to raise awareness of their businesses which provide vital employment to many people – and provide much of the salad stock for supermarkets across the country.”

For more information, visit www.cuefest.co.uk

Pictures show:
1 – Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and Harlow MP Robert Halfon with the cucumber mascot at the Cucumber Festival in Waltham Abbey

2 - Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing with King Harold Academy head teacher and students who displayed exhibits created in the art department, and also came up with the design for the cucumber mascot’s costume

3 – Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing on the One Shop Local stand with John Price and Heather Thirtle (president) from Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce