A Dagenham pub has come of age and will host a charity fun day on Saturday as part of its 21st birthday celebrations.

The Lord Denham, in Heathway, opened on June 27, 1994, and the Wetherspoons-owned tavern has remained a firm fixture ever since, while others in the area have closed.

The fun day, which runs from noon until 7pm will include a barbedcue, bouncy castle, and fancy dress, plus tombolas and raffles, with all proceeds going to children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Manager Sue Eagles, 46, from Basildon, has worked at the pub for the past five years and is proud of the achievements of her staff.

“It had a lot of problems at the start but we’ve brought about some changes,” she said. “It’s much nicer now.

“It’s quite a regulars pub community, so you get to know them quite well – one of the things we love.

“There’s a few other pubs in the area so there is a bit of competition, but that’s definitely a good thing – it makes you work harder and keeps you on your toes.”

The inn is named after Thomas Denman, a lawyer, judge, politician who served as Lord Chief Justice between 1832 and 1850.

A father-of-15, the Lord Denman lived in Parsloes between 1850-1852 after efforts to abolish slavery, and his work on other causes and cases, brought about the collapse of his health.

His wife Theodosia died in the area and was buried in the churchyard of Dagenham Parish Church, in Church Lane.