Champion boxer Anthony Joshua has returned to his roots to put on a day of Christmas-related entertainment for children and families.

The festive fun-filled event was held at the Meriden Community Centre which is on the Meriden estate that Joshua grew up on.

Described as 'putting the heart in Hertfordshire', Joshua put on a funday in the run-up to Christmas for members of the community who might be finding it tough at the moment.

Helped by members of his team, Joshua put on a festive spread with attendees sitting down and tucking into a Christmas lunch.

There was plenty of entertainment on offer with face painting, games such as musical statues and musical chairs, and a snow machine with Joshua filmed getting involved and even providing some words of wisdom and encouragement to one child who lost one of the games.

Santa, accompanied by his sleigh, even made an appearance handing out goodie bags.

The day's activities were captured and put into a near four minute video that was published on Joshua's Facebook page where it has received nearly 3,000 likes.

Watch the video below

Joshua, who danced and posed for countless photos, said it was about wanting to create a "clean-hearted" community and bringing the community together, adding anyone and everyone can help grow the initiative and help provide opportunities for locals.

During the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020, Joshua attended a march in Watford and discussed the opportunity of investing in Watford such as into a youth centre.

Related: Anthony Joshua: 'Watford runs through my veins and I want to invest in the town'

The Watford-born boxer, who stops by on the Meriden on many occasions and reminisced about doing judo and attending church on the estate, announced a new series will premiere on social media platform Snapchat in 2022.

A Fighting Chance with Anthony Joshua intends to follow Joshua as he returns to Watford to talk about his past and uplift the lives of others.

Related: Anthony Joshua will give back to Watford community in new Snapchat series

The event at Meriden Community Centre, which was paid for by Joshua and his team, was arranged in partnership with Meriden ward councillors and the town's mayor Peter Taylor.

Mr Taylor said: "It's been a difficult last couple of years and I think it's important that we have events like this that can bring people together, have a good time, making it a really special day for children who might be finding things difficult at the moment."