THE winner of the Wanstead Society's Smarter High Street competition has been chosen.

Butchers' shop AG Dennis saw off other shortlisted shops including Knock Down Ginger and Flora to win a cheque for £500, presented at today's Wanstead Festival.

Visitors to the festival were able to vote for the shop they thought deserved to win from a shortlist of seven.

Shops were commended for their choice of decor as well as preserving traditional fascia.

Wanstead Society committee member and Smarter High Street campaign manager Gabrielle Collard said: "The reason we need a smarter high street is to make it more attractive to people and boost local business.

"One of the biggest problems we have is that business owners are not aware that this is a conservation area - if they don't know, they make changes.

"Every time this happens, it strips away a bit of the character of the high street."

The campaign aims to 'smarten up' Wanstead High Street in line with its status as a conservation area.

AG Dennis was chosen as the winner after being praised for preserving its original design, in keeping with the building.

Mrs Collard added: "It's an awareness programme as well - we're not talking about massive changes.

"We're highlighting those attributes we think go towards making a nice area."

The Smarter High Street prize is to be given every year as part of an ongoing drive to improve the high street's appearance.