Celebrating their cultural diversity, residents of different faiths and cultures came together for this year's Barnet Multicultural Community Day.

With the sun shining, Algernon Road, West Hendon became a sea of people, with children getting their faces painted while parents enjoyed a free massage.

Other activities included a magic show, henna painting and t-shirt making, as well as stalls providing information on healthy eating and various health services.

Drawing a large audience, performances by Bollywood, Maypole, Irish and Chinese Lion dancers were by far the most popular attraction.

"My kids really enjoyed the dancing," said Gloria Diamantopoulos, from Brampton Grove.

"It's very well organised, there's lots to see in the church, and the kids enjoyed the face painting."

Besides entertainment, a wide range of food was on offer, from Indian samosas to chinese noodles, was well as Kosher, Halal and vegetarian dishes.

Sithabile Bako, from Brent Park Road, brought her daughters Zoe and Zayanne to the event.

While a butterfly face-painted Zayanne jumped on the bouncy castle, Sithabile said of the event: "It's a lovely day, the kids are having so much fun.

"I didn't realise we had such a diverse community in Barnet. It's great" she said.

The importance of the day was not lost on the revellers, with many emphasising the need for greater awareness and understanding amongst the different ethnic groups.

Dayo Adeuinka of Grove Crescent, who came with his wife Ike and one-year-old son Tomilade, said: ""I think the day is important, especially for the kids.

"I think it bridges a gap. You live near each other but you don't talk. Here is the opportunity to do so."

Lisa Isham of Marsh Drive went with her two sons, aged four and eleven. She said: "I think it's important that my children mix in with different people and do different things."

Claydette Brown from Snowden Drive said she thought this year's event was a great success, adding: "It's just nice to see everyone together, the diverse community meeting and enjoying each others company.

"I think it's really important for community cohesion."