WANSTEAD High Street has been decked out in sparkly Christmas lights for the first time this year thanks to generous funding by Wanstead Business Partnership and ward councillors.

The High Street received £2,500 towards the cost of the lights and enjoyed its first evening of late night opening on Monday.

Special guests Mr and Mrs Santa Claus gave excited youngsters a fantastic surprise as they arrived in a stunning Rolls Royce to switch on the Christmas tree lights at The Green.

Councillors hope that the Christmas lights will help to encourage residents to use the High Street more to do their Christmas shopping and enjoy the atmosphere that they create whilst they shop. Wanstead councillor Sue Nolan said: "I am pleased to see that Mr and Mrs Claus put aside their other duties today to come along and help the residents of Wanstead switch on their Christmas lights for the first time. The new lights will help to bring much needed economy for Wanstead High Street.

Ward councillors and the business community should be thanked for all the time and effort put in to achieve this superb result. It was the council, local businesses and the community working in partnership.

Area committee one chairman, councillor Greg Eglin added: "This is an excellent example of partnership working. The local businesses and the councils local area committee have come together for the benefit of Snaresbrook and Wanstead residents

Last year we were able to put up a Christmas tree with lights, but this year it's been even better. Next year we hope to extend the lights further along the street.

Mr Eglin added: Not only does it give the High Street a nice festive feel but it also gives Wanstead a good community feel.

By.Stephanie Moustapha