LEYTONSTONE'S Christmas lights are set to be switched on next Thursday.

A special event will be held at St John's Church at 4.15pm on November 26 and a series of other events will take place around the area as Christmas approaches.

A children's funfair will be set up in Church Lane carpark and will run from November 26 to 29.

The ex-Woolworth's store in Leytonstone High Road will also host another 'Pick 'n' Mix' dance event on December 5 and a crime prevention workshop is set to take place in St John's Forecourt on December 11.

There will also be a 'window dressing competition' for businesses, run by the e11bid company, with prizes from £200 to £500.