CHILDREN were entertained by a scary, yet cuddly, character from a well-known book at Thorndon Country Park.

The Gruffalo came to the park to meet children as they celebrate the milestone of 1,000 people going on the Gruffalo Experience.

The project started in April 2010 and is based around the book, which was written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and provides outdoor learning to schools across Essex.

County councillor Tracey Chapman joined in the fun and even handed out copies of the award-winning book to the children in the park.