The rain and the wind could not deter the 100 strong crowd who came along to celebrate the lighting of the Chanukah Menorah as part of Hanukkah celebrations in Epping.

Worshippers gathered at the Jack Silley Pavilion to mark the event, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C.

Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE, executive director of Chabad North East London and Essex, shared a modern day message for Chanukah.

He said: “This is the fourth celebration attracting hundreds of people, that continues since Sunday the first night of Chanukah.

"Each in a different location, beginning on the first day in Buckhurst Hill, to Fullwell Cross roundabout - remembering our colleague Rabbi Muller, and now Epping."

Following the outside lighting of the Menorah, a party was held featuring music, children's activities and potato pancakes called Latkas.

Rabbi Sufrin added: "It’s so nice to see young and old gathering together in an act of solidarity and unity to celebrate the meaning of the Chanukah story in the modern day.

"Light dispels darkness. Whether we are in a dark place emotionally, mentally or physically, we all have the ability to kindle a light and bring some peace and tranquillity into the hearts and lives of those who need it most.

"Chanukah has a universal message and hence we display these lights on our streets, for all to take its message to heart.”

Further Menorah events will be held in Loughton, Chigwell and Gants Hill.