A town which is striving to revive its local economy is to host its first major Christmas fair in over two decades. 

The Highams Park Xmas Fayre organised by the Highams Park Planning Group (HPPG) will take place on Sunday December 21 from 10am to 5pm. 

HPPG chairman Gordon Turpin has said the fair which will feature the Essex Farmer's Market, mulled wine, Christmas carols and a children's competition is the "first of its kind in at least 20 years". 

The popular farmer's market in the station car park will run until 3pm where it will be followed by an hour-long torch-lit cycle parade around Highams Park, and mince pies by the Signal Walk - outside Tesco. 

Up to 20 arts and crafts stalls will take over the space outside Tesco's and there will be live entertainment throughout the streets of Highams Park by Steve Herbert's Oasis Roadshow. 

Britain's Got Talent finalist Micky Dumoulin is scheduled to perform to shoppers at 1pm and there is a surprise entertainment act planned for midday, plus the appearance of Mr Herbert's man-made Dalek.