A FAMILY fun day raised £1,350 for church funds.

The Friends of St Luke’s event, sponsored by Wilkins and Sons jam-makers, was held on Grove Road playing field in Tiptree.

The Essex Samba Band and a fairground organ provided the music and a “mad scientist” kept the children entertained.

The Teresa Erskine Dog Training Class also put on a show in the main arena for the event – the first of its kind organised by the parish The next event being organised by Friends of St Luke’s is Shakespeare in the Orchard, a performance of Othello by Mads Dogs and Englishmen. It will be on Friday, August 28, and will be held at Wilkins and Sons, Brook Road, Tiptree.

Tickets cost £10, £8 for Friends of St Luke’s members, and are available by calling 01621 818026.