Carers took a well-deserved break in the sunshine at a special thankyou party held in their honour this week in Waltham Abbey.

The party was held to thank the team from Home-Start Epping Forest for their tireless work with families across the District, during national volunteers week.

Homestart volunteers help vulnerable families who are unable to care for each other, or who are struggling to cope.

Homestart senior organiser Pat Farrington said: "The work they do with families across the area is priceless, so we just wanted to thank them and throw a party in their honour."

"We had a great time, and i'd like to thank the trustees, our chair Sheila Shelbourne and Jane Waters who opened her garden up for us."

For more information on volunteering for homestart or if you are a business and would like to donate please contact Mrs Farrington on 020 8502 5242.