Villagers tucked into a lavish barbecue amid the beautiful surroundings of Shenley Park's walled garden on Saturday to celebrate the Millennium.

The barbecue, enjoyed by more than 150 people, was one of a number of events organised by Shenley Millennium Group to take place this year.

Attractions on the day included Shaky Jake, a barrel organist and one-man-band, and face-painting for the many children who attended the event.

Malcolm Williamson, of the Millennium Group, said he was pleased with the number of visitors, particularly considering the village fete had been rescheduled for Sunday.

'It went very well and we had reasonable weather, and there was a good proportion of families there, which was what we were hoping for,' he said.

'The idea of the Millennium events is to bring together people living on the Porters Park Estate and people from the old village.'

Volunteers from the Porters Park residents group ran the bar for the event, with the help of the Millennium Group, and the food was supplied professionally.

Shenley's next Millennium event will be a double-bill of George Bernard Shaw Plays tonight in the walled garden of Shenley Park, off Radlett Lane. Tickets can be bought on the gate, which opens at 6.15pm, and visitors are invited to take a picnic. For details phone 01923 852629.