Five local churches combined to bring the Watford community in The Harebreaks together today.

Featuring fairground rides, ethnic food stalls, children's entertainment, music and a dance competition, the Harebreaks Happening at the green in Dellside was organised by St Mark's, Christchurch, North Watford Methodist Church, Leavesden Road Baptist Church, and St Helen's Catholic Church.

Watford Community Housing Trust and the Harebreaks Residents' Association were also involved in planning for the second annual event.

The Reverend Dick Lewis, canon of Christchurch, said: "There are lots of good things about this area - but one bad thing is that we are divided.

"We are divided between young and old, between new residents and those who have been here for years and by ethnicity.

"There are four different primary schools in the area and most children only know those at the same school."

The day-long event gave local groups a chance to set up stalls, recruit new members and publicise their activities.

The Reverend Lewis said: "A lot of elderly people round here feel isolated.

"We want to show them there are loads of lunch clubs and things they can join - but they don't know about them."

Margaret Millar of North Watford Methodist Church said: "Fortunately we were lucky with the weather.

"We did this last year, but this year's event is bigger, with a lot more stalls and attractions."

Organisers had feared they might have to cancel at the last minute, because local businessman Martin Ginder, who they hoped would supply the marquees from his own stock, is on holiday.

Ms Millar said: "Martin said he had given a commitment and he would stick by it, so he is hiring all the marquees out of his own pocket, which is extremely generous.

"Without that we would probably have had to to cancel."