A youth councillor has installed a nativity scene in her town centre for the second year running.

The fibreglass statues were installed outside Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, on Monday to the delight of campaigners who last year called for a Christian display in the borough.

Hannah Chowdhry, a recently elected youth councillor for Epping and was a nominee for Redbridge Youth Council, organised the return of the nativity scene to Ilford town centre for the first time in 21 years last year.

The 14-year-old, a student at Kantor King Solomon High School in Ilford, said: “The nativity reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

“I hope the figurines in the town centre will now inspire young children to learn more about baby Jesus and his legacy for the world.”

The figurines represented include a shepherd, three Magi, Joseph, Mary, Jesus and several animals.

The festive display will be on display until January and was funded through a local appeal by the British Pakistani Christian Association and donors from religious groups including Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Before last year, her father Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, said he had been asking Redbridge Council for a scene for the past five years.

He said: "The symbol of the nativity is a pressing message to all of us, irrespective of our backgrounds to offer care and support to the most vulnerable in our communities."