STALLHOLDERS are being sought for a Christmas arts and crafts market aimed at boosting the economy in Leytonstone.

To be run in partnership with E11Bid, the council, Leytonstone library, St John's Church and Leytonstone Methodist Church, 60 places are available, of which 25 have already been filled.

Rev Raymond Draper, vicar at St John's, said: “The aim is to have a really good quality Christmas market to draw people into Leytonstone and to offer a really good community day.”

The event will see local restaurants and shops offering discounts to visitors and will also include children's activities and a lantern-lit tour of St John's churchyard.

Rev Draper added: “There will also be a lantern-making project and a children's choir singing carols.”

The aim of the market is to help boost business during the recession in a bid to help the hardest-hit in the area.

Rev Draper, who also works with the unemployed, said: “The reason is quite simple, really – we want to strengthen our small businesses at a time of great need.

“The secondary aim is to affirm our commitment to community life – something we want to share and enjoy.

“I think this is something wonderful. We would welcome arts and crafts stalls from all over.”

His work with the unemployed has included a campaign entitled 'A Place for Me?' aimed at helping young people struggling to find work.

He has also spent 20 years working on unemployment projects elsewhere in the UK before coming to St John's nine years ago.

“We want people to have a great day and enjoy the activities, then maybe have a meal and spend some of their Christmas money in Leytonstone,” Rev Draper said.

Stallholders are being sought now to ensure all the slots are filled by the time the market is held on December 5.

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