THERE were colourful and crazy hats aplenty when a Women’s Institute held a Mad Hatters themed tea party.

Members of the Furtherwick WI teamed up with the Knightswick WI and Benfleet WI for the party, held at St Nicholas Church Hall, in Long Road, Canvey.

The annual event proved popular among the guests with plenty of fun and entertainment on offer, including a guest speaker and singer.

The women dressed up in colourful costumes, donning various hats as well as face paint.

Members danced along to the music in the hall, which was decorated with colourful displays.

Janice Hoyles, 68, president of the Furtherwick WI said it was a great event and well attended.

She said: “We had about 150 people at the event, mostly women but we had some men who were helping out at the event.

“We set up the hall early in the morning and the ladies at around lunch time. We had stalls selling a range of items including produce, and tombola and raffle tickets

“We had a singer called Ian Gee who was brilliant and a speaker called Brian Carline who gave a talk about the war times.”

She said that she wanted to thank all the members of the clubs, including those from Furtherwick WI, Knightswick WI and Benfleet WI for all their help and time with the event.