THE seaside was brought 50 miles inland to a special messy church event in Bocking.

Bocking on Sea took place at St Mary's Church on July 23 and brought all the popular attractions people know and love from a trip to the coast to a slightly more unusual destination.

More than 150 people came to the church and enjoyed sand castle competitions, candy floss, face-painting, ice creams and even a Punch and Judy show.

Rod Reid, Reverend at St Mary's Church, said: “What a glorious afternoon. The weather has been very kind to us today, unlike many of my memories of trips to the seaside where it rained.

"We are just thrilled to have been joined by so many this afternoon, including lots of new people.

"A huge thank you to all our volunteers today without whom the day just wouldn’t happen - I have a feeling the seaside may just need to come to town again.”

More information about events at St Mary's Church can be found on their Facebook page.