HUNDREDS of people gathered in Grays Town Park for a mighty Big Lunch.

The event, organised by the council, was a success for the sixth year running on July 30, with 65 stands crammed into the park with activities including themed sports and a climbing wall.

Water, cookies and free food vouchers were also handed out to people, courtesy of Adetokunbo Sowunmi, of the Grays Subway franchise.

The event also provided an opportunity to dish out prizes for the Beat the Street game – in which members of the public were challenged to walk set distances using Oyster-like cards to ‘tap in’ on lampposts.

Dr William Smith MBE presented Tai Chi Health (Essex) with £1,000 for their chosen charity, Sugarloaf Riding for the Disabled Association, with team leader Trevor Rawson taking the adult prize for furthest distance walked.

Communities spokesman Councillor Richard Speight said: “The Big Lunch is a great chance for people to come together, meet and talk to their neighbours and learn about what’s on offer in and around their neighbourhood and this year’s was bigger and better than ever.”

A similar free Big Lunch event is being held at Anchor Field, Tilbury, on August 21 between 11am and 3pm.