A RESIDENT won a TV competition to see who could hold the best Royal Wedding street party.

Samantha Porter, 39, of Allison Close in Waltham Abbey, organised a 1940s “East End knees up” with her neighbours almost three weeks before the actual Royal Wedding on Friday, April 7.

Neighbours dressed up in period costume and tucked in to pie and mash and jellied eels while the cameras rolled to film the Channel 4 programme Come Dine With Me which was broadcast on Royal Wedding Day on April 29.

Business development manager Samantha said: “I have lived in the street for ten years and have always wanted to have a street party and this seemed like the perfect chance.

“I had the idea to have a 1940s themed party because when you look at the pictures from the past they look really good fun. There was more community spirit back then and we wanted to get that spirit back.

“It was a bit strange having a Royal Wedding party weeks before the event but the weather was glorious. Everyone dressed up in period costumes. It had a real community feeling and everyone really enjoyed it.

The other contestants three held rival street parties in South London and on the South Coast, each highlighting the character of the area.

“I think what set ours apart was that it was a real East End knees-up”, said Samantha.

“I’m not so sure some people liked all the food. But we wanted to keep it authentic, with real east London food.”

“All of my neighbours were very supportive, a lot were shy about being in front of the camera though.

Having already held a raucous street party Samantha had a quieter gathering on the day itself.

“On Friday I had a little party at home with friends and family.