A giant illuminated “peace dove” will be erected in the place of a Christmas tree in Seven Kings this week.

The dove will be on a 10ft pole and surrounded by light displays symbolising world religions outside the train station.

Councillors chose to abandon the Christmas tree for festive lights to celebrate multiple religious festivals.

Cllr Barbara White said she was “excited” that this year’s lights would recognise different celebrations.

She added: “We live in such a diverse community.

“I think most people love celebrating Christmas but it’s nice to remember other festivals as well.”

Cllr Balvinder Saund said the lights were put on earlier this year to be in time for Islamic festival Eid-Ul-Adha.

She added: “Although we like the idea behind a Christmas tree, they cost a lot and with budget cuts we wondered what we could do differently this year.”

The lights are being switched on tomorrow (Wednesday) and will be up for festivals including Eid-Ul-Adha, Diwali, the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev sahib, Christmas and Hanukkah.

The choir from Farnham Green Primary School will be singing at the ceremony at 5.45pm.

Festive lights will also be switched on at the Goodmayes Clock Tower at 5.30pm with singing from Al-Noor Primary School pupils.

The lights in Seven Kings and Goodmayes cost Redbridge Council’s Area Five Committee �11,500.