THE seven finalists in a competition to find the "smartest" shopfront in Wanstead have been announced.

Household furniture outlet Horsfall and Wright, building merchants company Andrews, estate agent Petty Son and Prestwich, florist traders Flora, butchers AG Dennis, food store The Larder and fashion shop Knock Down Ginger will now battle it out to win the contest, which is being organised by the Wanstead Society.

The winner will be decided by a public vote at the Wanstead Festival on Sunday September 13, and will scoop a top prize of £500.

The group is organising the competition as part of its campaign to help rejuvenate the High Street following the demolition of the historic cottage building and the impending arrival of supermarket giant Tesco.

The society says potential voters should bear in mind a shopfront's architectural features, the overall quality of its maintenance, the quality of its lettering and whether displays are ordered and uncluttered.