Ricky Week “showcases our town, its businesses and residents”, according to the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce.

Hundreds of people gathered for the opening parade in the centre of Rickmansworth on Saturday.

It marks a week of events that will see an increased number of people visiting the town and Nina Hosking, from the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, said it is good people “come together to celebrate” Rickmansworth’s heritage.

Decorated floats and other entries took part in the parade which went through the town centre.

There was also a fete at the Bury Grounds, organised by the Batchworth Sea Scouts and this featured a number of events including the tug-of-war competition.

One of the organisers of Ricky Week, Barbara Owens, from the Rickmansworth Society, said the week is “very important” because it brings everyone together.

Chairwoman of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce Nina Hosking said: “We are delighted that Rickmansworth Society and the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust have once again organised such an eventful week for Rickmansworth.

“There is no doubt that this showcases our town, its businesses and residents for the wonderful place it is and the community spirited people that live and work here.

“Rickmansworth has a long history of industry and commerce, with the very first Trader’s Association being set up in 1898.

“It is good to see that the town is still able to come together to celebrate its great heritage, however we are very aware that the vibrancy of the town will only continue if the balance between residential and commercial premises is redressed in the immediate future.”