It's five years ago this week since a high street institution confirmed it was looking at opening a store in Wanstead.

Marks and Spencer could soon be opening up in Wanstead.

Rumours of an M&S food store arriving in Wanstead High Street swirled on social media at the weekend, with many unable to hold back their excitement at the idea.

And a spokesman for the luxury supermarket has today confirmed the rumours could soon become a reality.

He said: “We’re always looking for new store locations so that we can best serve our customers.

“We’re interested in opening a store in the Wanstead area and will keep the community updated on how this progresses.”

Facebook users questioned whether a Wanstead M&S would thrive with its South Woodford store just 1.3 miles down the road.

Others debated on the location of the potential new addition to the high street, with the old Barclays bank at the top of the list.

Sainsbury’s bought the site shortly after the bank closed its doors in 2014, but pulled out of opening up a Wanstead convenience store two years later in September 2016.