Imaginations ran wild as art activities drew the crowds to Dunmow Library and Town Square on Saturday.

The event was organised as part of the National Campaign for Drawing’s annual Big Draw, and the first national Family Arts Festival.

More than 600 people attended throughout the day to enjoy the wide range of activities.

Dunmow Library deputy supervisor Chris Nelson said: “Despite cloudy skies our Big Draw was a resounding success. It was great to see the families joining in and combining it with a visit to the library.”

Families got to work with inks, charcoal and pastels made from plants by expert artist Nabil Ali. The themes for the day were ‘Plant some ideas and draw tomorrow’.

The unusual drawing materials included lumps of chalk attached to string made from nettles from the St Mary’s Riverbank and nettle pastels.

Mr Ali said: “It was good to see so many people willing to engage in all the art activities. They produced some wonderfully expressive work.”

Inside the library families got to take part in activities run by Little Goslings Children’s Centre.

Early Years worker Rachael Cox said: “Making the salt dough hedgehogs with spaghetti prickles was particularly popular. It was nice to introduce families to new ideas using all the natural materials like leaves that are around in the autumn.”

The Family Arts Festival is running an awards scheme and is asking the public to vote for the best event. To vote for ‘Drawing in Dunmow’, and the chance to win £500, visit familyartsfestival.com/vote1903