Impressive progress was reported on a history project in Epping Forest five years ago this week.

Councillors say they are “thrilled” at the progress being made by a community history project.

The Great Waltham Abbey Tapestry was started a year ago to illustrate the heritage of the area.

The vice-chairman of Essex County Council, John Jowers, and Waltham Abbey Town Council mayor, Mike Fitch, met up at Town Mead, in Waltham Abbey, to hear about the project and see how well it was progressing.

The cross-stitch tapestry comprises nine panels, and each one illustrates the miracle of the Holy Cross and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Anthea Godfrey, of Embroiderers Guild, spoke about her projects and how she could help with the project while Tricia Gurnett gave a presentation on the history on the panels.

It is funded by Essex County Council’s community initiatives fund.

People from the area are invited to contribute to the project.

Waltham Abbey town clerk, Kathryn Richmond, said: “The town council is delighted with the response from local stitchers, and the quality of the work is stunning.

“We are thrilled with the progress we have made so far, but if there are any stitchers who would like to contribute.”