Poets, musicians and community activists gathered at Merton Abbey Mills last week to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of William Morris.

Mr Morris was an artist, craftsman, poet, journalist, songwriter and political campaigner who set up a printing works at Merton Abbey Mills in 1881.

He became a leading figure in the arts and crafts world and his commitment to social justice led him to found the Socialist League and The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

More than 80 people packed the William Morris pub in Merton Abbey Mills on March 24 to celebrate his life when he would have turned 179.

He died on October 3, 1896.

The event was organised as part of the Colliers Wood Spring Arts Festival, which runs until May 18.

Keith Spears and Auriel Glanville, joint co-ordinators of the event said: "We were delighted with the number of people who came out on a really cold night and would like to thank Chris Nicholson, manager of the pub, for letting us have the room for free and all the performers who gave their services for free.

"Also Len Waterman who was the MC and Richard Mackie who manned the door throughout the evening."

The event was sponsored by Merton Council and local estate agents Eddison White.