ROBIN Hood and his band of merry men swapped Sherwood Forest for Southend’s Garon Park for a weekend of fun and entertainment.

The park was transformed for the Robin Hood Country Show, which drew thousands of people, making the most of the good weather to enjoy a taste of history and country living.

Robin Hood’s tales of derring-do were acted out for the crowds, along with sword fighting and archery demonstrations, storytelling and a medieval-style jousting tournament.

Organisers and stallholders all dressed in medieval garb, as did some of the young visitors.

The event also welcomed dogs, with pets invited to take part in dock dog jumping, a competition in which dogs jump into a pool of water to retrieve a ball.

Dog agility competitions, donkey rides, sheep-shearing and ferret racing were among the other attractions.

An animal workshop brought a range of unusual animals to the show, including a bullfrog, snakes, a tarantula and even a skunk called Elliott.

Visitors also had the chance to try quad bikes and paintballing and enjoy in Little John’s craft marquee, Maid Marion’s country living marquee and the Sherwood Forest gardeners walk.

Organiser Sandra Gibson said the show had been a huge success.

She added: “It’s been wonderful. We’ve had thousands of people here and everyone has been smiley.

“People at the gate were dressed in medieval costume. As they came in the children were just saying ‘wow!’ “People have come from quite far for the show, with one lady whose pet competed in the dog dock jumping even, coming from Tunbridge Wells.

“Southend has never had an event like this and it’s been great. We’ll be back next year, possibly with some fancy dress competitions.”