THE busy team behind the Art Trail Wanstead is putting the finishing touches to this year's colourful extravaganza ahead of its launch next month.

Now in its sixth year, the Art Trail promises a host of eye-catching displays, activities and workshops for Wanstead residents and visitors to enjoy.

Artists - both amateur and professional - from the area will transform the front gardens and windows of their homes into a work of art, to create a trail of vibrant work from September 5 to 20.

And this year there's also plenty on offer at the Trail's new Pop Up Shop on Wanstead High Street, including talks, films and workshops.

Watch as the trees, railings and street furniture on the High Street slowly become encased in brightly coloured wool during the yarn bombing event, or make a funky piece of knitted art and join in yourself (September 6).

Browse an interesting display by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society during the Wanstead House Community Association Open Day at The Green (September 12) or enjoy a puppet show - and puppet making workshop - at Aldersbrook Baptist Church on Dover Road (September 12 to 13).

Have a go at making something at the Wanstead Festival on Christchurch Green, where the Art Trail team will be on hand to offer workshops for all ages and abilities (September 13). And back at The Green come along for a life drawing class (September 16).

Yet more life drawing classes continue over the weekend, with Pearly Queen Doreen Golding modelling at Wanstead Library's Church Hall (September 19), alongside plenty of other events as part of the Fair at the Hall.

The grand finale takes place on Sunday, September 20 with photography, art displays, craft demo and more at the Gallery and Craft Boutique on Nightingale Lane.

This year's event is based around an environmental theme with more than 150 artists and 60 schoolchildren taking part at 70 venues including high street businesses, churches, community centres, pubs, Wanstead Library and schools.

Art Trail Wanstead, a variety of locations, September 5 to 20. Details: artgroupwanstead.com