THOUSANDS of children flocked to Leyton Marsh for a taste of countryside life.

As part of the two-day Countryside Live event, children from schools across London, including Waltham Forest, took part in hands-on activities, demonstrations and live shows.

Taking place on September 23 and 24, displays included a live sheep show with dancing sheep, ferret racing and birds of prey.

Children were also given the chance to sail down the River Lea, as well as going on a mini-beast hunt around the marshes.

Hands-on activities included making candles and corn dollies, as well as learning how to make a scarecrow.

Children from 40 different schools from seven London boroughs attended the event, including Hackney, Lewisham, Barnet, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Tower Hamlets and Haringey.

Leyton Marsh is part of the 10,000-acre, 26-mile long Lee Valley Regional Park, which is home to riverside trails, country parks and nature reserves.