Mindless yobs soured last week's Christmas fun night at Hilldene Shopping Centre but failed to spoil the evening for thousands of visitors who enjoyed an evening packed with festive fun.

The gang of around 20 teenagers struck in the last hour of the event hurling eggs and flour at the Havering Majorettes as they performed at the Harold Hill shopping centre, on Hilldene Avenue.

However, despite the attack, the yobs were unsuccessful in their bid to ruin the night for the organisers and visitors who have hailed the event as a thriving success and are eager to see it run again next Christmas.

Steve Gunster, of Cards and News in the shopping centre was one of the chief organisers of the event said: "The evening was a tremendous success and it was a shame that a minority tried to spoil it for the others.

"There were between 2,000 and 3,000 people visiting the centre and they all had a great time and there was a real lively atmosphere throughout the night.

"There was around 20 teenagers aged between 13 and 15 who started to cause problems just after 8pm when the Majorettes were performing. They were throwing eggs and flour at each other and then it spilled into the show.

"It is a real shame when a few try to spoil it for everyone else but I am pleased to say that they didn't ruin the evening and a great time was had by all.

"The traders are very pleased with how well the event was organised and I have been inundated with customers coming into the shop and saying how brilliant it was."

As well as the Havering Majorettes, there was a performance by Havering Marching Militaire, a community farm, look and soundalikes of East End singers Chas and Dave and a Santa's Grotto, which still had children queuing to see Father Christmas at 9pm. Also, a raffle for the Mayor of Havering's charity raised more than £1,000 for the Humpty Dumpty Appeal at the Special Baby Care Unit at Harold Wood Hospital, Gubbins Lane.

A Havering Council spokesman said: "This was a true community initiative. Despite the cold, crowds of local people braved the weather and came out to be entertained and enjoy the opportunity to shop for Christmas goodies on the Hill.

"Steve Gunster, a local trader worked tirelessly to organise the event

"Following this successful event local people have expressed a wish to hold a similar event next year."

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