A community group has unveiled a new guide detailing 2,000 years of Braintree's most historic street.

Thanks to grant funding from Braintree Council, The Friends of Bradford Street, has installed an information board celebrating the history packed within the walls of what is the district's oldest road.

The weather and vandal resistant panel has been designed and built entirely by the group and has even been fixed to one of the members' own properties.

Peter Bayley, chairman of The Friends of Bradford Street, said: "We believe that this simple but informative and interesting display will be an effective part of our continuous campaign to promote awareness of the outstanding history of Bradford Street and the surrounding area.

"We are very grateful to Braintree Council for funding this project and look forward to working with them on further initiatives."

Councillors Wendy Schmitt and Lyn Walters provided the funding through the council's flagship Community Grants Scheme.

Mr Bayley said: "Our ultimate aim is to preserve this historic street and its extensive heritage for current and future residents and to encourage many others to help to do the same.

“I am particularly glad to have discussed recently with James Cleverly, our local MP, how he might be able to help us manage the excessive traffic and restore calm to the street.

“We believe that those who have already been introduced to our heritage by our guide, open-house street tours, talks, social events and website will seek it out and renew their interest.

"In addition, new visitors, residents or those from further afield, will be encouraged to investigate our historic street and many of the other local sites of interest that are associated with it."

The group's Bradford Street guide, which formed the basis for the information board, is also available at Braintree Museum, Braintree Town Hall and several other locations across the town.

Visit www.bradfordstreet.co.uk.