GALLERY An Appropriately-named Suffolk village has played host to the world's first pea festival in 400 years.

AN APPROPRIATELY-named Suffolk village has played host to the world's first pea festival in 400 years.

The event was held in Peasenhall, near Saxmundham, on Saturday and featured a Miss Sweet Pea parade and pea-shooting competition.

There were also a host of games all starting with the letter “P”, including pass the parcel and pound in the pail, as well as live music and food.

Historically, Peasenhall is where the Romans first cultivated peas in Britain.

Sally Tomkins, coordinator of the event, said: “Peasenhall, originally known in Anglo Saxon times as Pesehala, 'Nook of land where Peas grow', is making up for lost time.

“Peas are no longer part of posterity: we want peas back on our local map, starting with this event.

“We want to build on this over the coming years; linking up with pea events and festivals across the world.

“The event was a great success. It went exceedingly well. Everyone enjoyed themselves. We've learnt a lot and next year it will be bigger and better.”

The event was supported by Yes Peas, the award-winning campaign which aims to get Britons eating more peas. For more information visit www.peas.org.