The public is being asked for suggestions on how to spend the surplus money collected for a community-funded Christmas tree.

A crowdfunding page was set up to fund the tree on George Green, Wanstead, which hit its £3,000 target in less than a week.

However the money kept coming and eventually rose to £1,610 over the required figure.

Now suggestions are being called for, with a vote to be completed this month, and the result to be announced in February.

On November 29, the switch-on of the lights had to be abandoned after an electrical fault meant the Christmas tree lights did not turn on as more than 1,000 people attended in Wanstead last month.

Before the technical problems, a brass band performed and carols were sung by pupils from local schools.

The lights were funded by businesses and residents after Redbridge council scrapped funding for a Christmas tree, citing funding cuts.

Cllr Colin Cronin, of Snaresbrook ward, said: “Christmas 2014 certainly brought out the best in Wanstead folk and really showed our community spirit, not least because of the way we pulled together to provide our annual Christmas tree.

“Final accounting is now being competed and we will begin contacting contributors over the coming weeks about how to use the surplus cash.

“Suggestions so far have included keeping it for a tree for next Christmas, donating it to the Wanstead playground fund and installing ping-pong tables in the park.”

Suggestions, which are being accepted until January 18, should be emailed to colin.cronin@redbridge.gov.uk