MORE than 700 people descended on historic Valentines Mansion for the first May Fair after its £8.5million restoration project.

There were almost 40 stalls and activities to experience during the day, in Gants Hill's Valentines Park, with the fine weather bringing out excited crowds.

The Fairlop Brass Band, directed by Kevin Jordan, once again provided first class musical entertainment during the afternoon.

Event organiser Ray Butt said: "Their lively performances were everything you would expect from an exuberant brass ensemble.

"St Margaret’s Church young Maypole Dancers, beautifully dressed for the occasion and with a brightly decorated Maypole, demonstrated just how this dancing should be done.

"Pat and Barbara Elliott, very suitably costumed, provided interactive children’s activities Experiencing Victorian Life Below Stairs in the restored kitchen and dairy wing."

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes and Redbridge Mayor Cllr Loraine Sladden both mingled with crowds during the day.

Valentines Mansion was built around 1697 and is considered by English Heritage to be "of outstanding architectural or historic interest or of great importance to the nation's built heritage".

Restoration of the mansion started in July 2007 and will be completed by the early autumn this year.

The building features period rooms, an exhibition gallery and displays on the history of the Mansion and its estate.

School children will role play life 'upstairs & downstairs', using the reconstructed Victorian kitchen and dairy as part of an exciting new education programme.

Visit valentines.org.uk for more information.