THE annual Southend Pier Puppet Festival returned at the weekend to offer families some fun and entertainment.

Five puppeteers descended on the pier over the two days.

Jo Peek and Chris Gasper, from Southend, were joined by Chippy Wood and Paul Jackson from Surrey, Denise Pettit (Mrs Back to Front) from Kent and Pauline and Derek Legg from Witham, who brought along their fairground organ.

There was also an exhibition showing the history of Mr Punch, photos of the Southend Festival from 1988 and some Punch memorabilia in the pavilion. A colouring workshop and a face painter were also on hand to entertain the younger audience members.

A 1986 Dean Organ sounded out from the pier entrance to attract an audience from the town. See tomorrow’s Echo for more pictures.