A SENSE of history filled the streets of Abbots Langley as more than 50 residents gathered together for an old-fashioned street party on Saturday.

Villagers from Breakspeare Road, Langley Road and Marlin Square organised the party to celebrate the new millennium but this was not the first time the streets had seen a community celebration.

The same roads staged a street party in 1977 to mark the Queen's silver jubilee. Prior to that, residents in Breakspeare Road threw a party to celebrate VE day at the end of the Second World War.

Mrs Janet Coan, who sat on this year's party organisation committee, said: 'In this country, the millennium dawned in the depths of winter, so we thought it would be a good idea to have a summer celebration.

'The rain stayed off and it was a chance for long-time residents and relative newcomers to get to know each other. It was hard work but, undoubt- edly, a great success.'

The party took place in the car park of Abbots Langley Parish Council offices in Langley Road. Food was supplied by Indian restaurant Viceroy Brasserie, sponsoring the event, and there was plenty of drink and music.

Mrs Coan said: 'It was an all-ticket event. We are donating funds to A New Abbots Langley Community Centre Appeal. That is only right, as there was a genuine community feel to the day, helped by the fact the parish council kindly gave us permission to use its car park.'

To help commemorate the day and to contribute to the sense of history surrounding street parties in the three roads, children at the party were asked to draw pictures of the day to be framed and presented to their parents.

Mrs Coan added: 'No doubt, these pictures and various photographs taken on the day will come out next time there is a major event to celebrate.'

All generations enjoyed the day.