THE seven finalists in a competition to find the best shop front in Wanstead have been announced and they are looking for YOUR vote.

Despite the recession and increasing competition from other shopping areas shopkeepers in Wanstead are fighting back and the Wanstead Society has organised the contest to help bolster their efforts.

The future of the High Street has been threatened by the unlawful demolition of the Truffles cottage, the imminent arrival of Tescos as well as plans to demolish the historic Kinema site, but the finalists prove that there is still plenty of fight left among traders.

At the butcher’s AG Dennis, which has been trading for more than 100 years, Manager Steve Alsop said: “We’re over the moon, it’s nice to have just been nominated for the award.”

Mr Alsop’s father - also called Steve - worked at the shop for 40 years before his death earlier this year.

His son said: “If my Dad was here he would be delighted. It was just last year or so he won Shopkeeper on the Year, so this would have been the icing on the cake.”

Horsfall and Wright opened in May 2007. Manager Stephen Horsfall said: “It’s very nice to be considered one of the best shop fronts.

“There’s a lot of good competition for the title, we’re certainly not favourites and I’ll happy if we don’t come last.”

Voting takes place at the Wanstead Festival on Sunday, September 13. Redbridge mayor Thomas Chan will announce the winner of the £500 top prize at 4pm.

Voters are advised to consider a shopfront's architectural features, the quality of maintenance and lettering, and whether displays are ordered and uncluttered.

For more information on the Wanstead Society, visit wansteadsociety.org.uk.

The complete list of nominees is:

Home furnishing boutique Horsfall and Wright, Builder’s merchants Andrews, Estate agent Petty Son and Prestwich, Florists Flora, Family butchers AG Dennis, Grocery store The Larder, Children’s outfitters Knock Down Ginger