Christmas window light switch on in Collier Row.

Due to Covid restrictions no Christmas lights switch ons will be taking place in the area this year. However, to start the festive season in the Collier Row area, Lesley Haylett a community activist decided to do a Christmas window display instead.

With the help of Chigwell Windows, Lesley set up a competition for local school children to design a decorative festive window.

On Wednesday 18th of November local residents, along with the competition winner and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell gathered at a socially distanced event to turn the window lights on.

12 year old Lewis Ralph from Marshalls Park School designed the winning window display that now decorates the front of the Chigwell Window Group in Collier Row.

Lesley told the Havering Daily: “I’d like to thank everyone in the community for joining in this socially distanced event. Thank you to Dean Floyd from Chigwell Windows and Jamie Webb from Havering College.

“Well done to Lewis for designing a beautiful Christmas window display for all the community to enjoy. I would also like to thank Carol from Harold Wood Funeral Services for donating prizes.

“There will be free Christmas Advent calendars being given out as from Monday 23 of November from Chigwell Window Group. Thank you once again to all involved, it was a lovely evening.”