Fujifilm sponsored the local Bedford Festival as part of its corporate commitment to community participation.

The two-day Bedford River Festival, which was held at Russell Park, featured entertainment including music, live theatre, a funfair, market village, food stalls and a bar.

The event also included a dragon boat race, in which a Fujifilm team took part along with more than 20 crews who battled it out over a 350m course.

Fujifilm staff also participated in a charity raft race to raise money for Autism Bedfordshire.

The manufacturer had its own tent showcasing its different business areas, including the Astalife beauty range, medical, Graphic Systems and photographic sectors. A professional face painter was on hand for children who were then able to have their photo taken with 'Fred FinePix' and to take the photos away as souvenirs.

Fujifilm UK head of human resources David Satchell said: "Although we have been operating in Bedford since the 1980’s we moved our HQ here in 2007 and we are delighted to have the opportunity to be the main sponsor of such a prestigious event and to support charities this way."