THIS selection of vintage images show how groups of people have long come together within the north Essex community.

Musicians, cricketers, singers and dancers from as far back as the turn of the century feature in the photographs which include a group of school girls working together to embroider a bedspread for royalty.

The pupils at E Ward School in the town were making the piece for the Duchess of Kent.

Also seen here are the Parsonson family of Daniell & Son Brewers, getting a carnival exhibit ready which sums up the trade they were in and memories of the well-known Phyllis Manning Dance School which regularly put on shows.