Youngsters at William Read Primary School in Long Road, Canvey, took part in a day of fun to raise money for their new swimming pool.

Dozens of children had decorated cakes and made cards for competitions held during their school bazaar.

Their parents entered various raffles in the hope of winning some of the prizes on offer.

Father Christmas was at the school and there was fun and games for all the family, including a penalty shoot-out with Southend United players.

Castle Point Mayor Tony North opened the bazaar and teachers were delighted when they found they had raised more than £1,000 from the event.

Deputy headteacher Ian Davies said: "It was a fantastic day. A small group of people had organised it and it went very well."

Furry friends - Alexander Thomas of Canvey had plenty of plush pals for sale at the fun day

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.