RESIDENTS of King s Road in St Neots closed their road and held a street party with a band, food and dancing. The street, of about 40 houses, saw some 300 people who took their barbecues and their garden furniture out into the road – then closed the road

RESIDENTS of King's Road in St Neots closed their road and held a street party with a band, food and dancing.

The street, of about 40 houses, saw some 300 people who took their barbecues and their garden furniture out into the road - then closed the road to have some fun.

It was organised "for no particular reason" by interior designer and mother of two, Angela Bartlett, who said: "Our road lends itself to community events. I was looking out of the window and thought about the possibilities of the street and what great neighbours we have."

Mrs Bartlett, a clarinet player with St Neots Concert Band, was also able to engage her colleagues in St Neots Big Band to play, and another resident, vocalist Katie Miller, joined the band to sing.

About 60 children enjoyed the picnic, chalking drawings on the pavement and face-painting.

She added: "I have never watched the weather forecast so closely. Earlier in the week, I nearly called off the event but on the day it turned out sunny and warm and the one short shower didn't spoil it."

A raffle and a charity collection raised £300 for the East Anglian Children's Hospice.

Another King's Road, resident, Jenny Barrett, said: "The party could be heard half a mile away in West Street."

Her neighbour, Kate Yelland said: "It was a great way to bring the King's Road community together. We're hoping this can become an annual event.