Festivities are in full swing across Redbridge as residents joined in Christmas lights switch- ons.

Barkingside High Street lit up on Friday while the Salvation Army played music and the crowd of around 100 danced.

John Sharrock, chairman of community group Barkingside 21, said: “We had a great turnout, with Kenneth More Theatre actors from the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, and it is great that Barkingside 21 was involved.”

In Seven Kings, ward councillors Balvinder Saund, Bob Littlewood and Stuart Bellwood handed out mince pies and samosas outside the station in High Road, before Redbridge Mayor Cllr Chris Cummins switched on the tree lights.

In Wanstead, the mayor turned on the lights in George Green, watched by more than 150 residents, as the Salvation Army played Christmas songs.