SOUTHEND, Braintree and Jaywick are all planning cultural and sporting events in July in anticipation of the 2012 London Olympics.

The events on the weekend of July 25 and July 26 will form part of London 2012 Open Weekend.

In Southend, a free weekend of sport, art and music will be staged in Priory Park from 10am to 5pm on both days, offering the chance to learn to jive, paint a sporting hero, make a Saxon helmet and shield or play steel drums.

There will also be fencing, tai chi, volleyball, boxercise and the opportunity to help create a new piece of community art.

In Braintree, a family fun day will be held at the Rugby Club, in Beckers Green Road, on Saturday, July 25.

The event, organised by Braintree police, will feature the 2smart4 roadshow, street dance groups, martial arts, marching bands and five-a-side football competition.

Stalls and activities will be open from 11am to 5pm with local bands performing from 5pm until 7pm.

Jaywick Summer Fair will be held at Brooklands Gardens, on Sunday, July 26, offering a traditional funfair, face painting, dancing and majorettes.

The free event runs from 11am to 4pm. For more information, go to www.jaywickmartelloetower.org For more information about other London 2012 Open Weekend events go to www.london2012.com/ openweekend