Children dressed as pirates and parrots helped celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim with their friends and families.

The festival recounts the story of Esther and the deliverance of the Jewish people, and is celebrated by readings and children acting out the story.

Children and families gathered at the Kingston Liberal Synagogue in Long Ditton on Saturday, March 19.

Barbara Richards, press relations officer for the synagogue, it was the most fun festival in the Jewish calendar.

She said: “It was very jolly. We had a very good turnout. It’s the one day of the year when the children don’t want to miss coming.

“Some of the parents were in fancy dress as well. There was a lot of singing and stories and acting out the story.”