Bright sunshine drew the crowds to the park to celebrate the anniversary of the planting of its famous mile-long Chestnut Avenue with processions, displays and demonstrations.

Last year commemorated the 300th anniversary of the planting of the trees, but the year 2000 proved to be just as memorable.

Colin Pain, chairman of the Hampton Wick Association, said: "The weather was absolutely brilliant. The procession went well. We thought it was going to be smaller than usual but it turned out to be almost as long as last year's.

"One of the vintage vehicles conked out near the end of the parade, because it ran out of petrol, but the drivers jumped out and got it started again to a great cheer from the crowd."

Sunday's procession included music from the Horse Rangers band, a parade by veterans from the Royal British Legion in honour of the Second World War history of the park, and a special performance from the Greensleeves Morris Men, from Wimbledon, who danced their way along the avenue.