A shopping centre will be bringing back a festive competition, hosting a Santa's workshop and inviting customers to donate presents in the run up to Christmas.

Festivities at Stratford Shopping Centre are underway with installations and festive craft workshops to get shoppers in the Christmas spirit.

In the month leading up to Christmas, Stratford Shopping Centre will be hosting a series of family friendly activities.

The centre's annual Crackin’ Christmas competition is making a comeback on Friday (November 25).

A giant cracker is filled with smaller crackers, and shoppers have to guess the number of small crackers to win a £200 gift card.

The competition will run from November 25 to December 19 and the winner will be picked at random.

Running alongside this will be charity Iron Food Banks' Big Toy Appeal.

A life-sized present box will be set up in the mall, and shoppers and members of the community can donate gifts such as chocolate and unwanted or unused toys to be distributed across East London in time for Christmas.

The life-sized present box will be in the Centre from 25th November 25 to December 16.

Iron Food Banks works with Ambition Aspire Achieve in Canning Town and supports its annual Recorder Christmas Toy Appeal, with donations distributed across the town.

Over the final three Saturdays leading up to Christmas, children can visit Santa’s workshop to help him work on jobs that are important for Christmas to go as planned.

Each Saturday, the centre will host a different workshop to allow children to get creative and in the Christmas spirit.

There will be a singing elves and cookie workshop, toy testing workshop, and Elf School, happening on December 3, 10 and 17 respectively.

The centre will also have a dedicated postbox where children can write a letter to Santa and have him receive it personally.

Centre manager Tony Peters said: “We’re so excited to spread Christmas cheer here at Stratford.

"Our Christmas events always put a smile on shoppers faces and it’s so lovely to see!

“Hosting a present donation appeal is also something that is close to our hearts.

"To help everybody have a special Christmas is of utmost importance to us here at Stratford Shopping Centre."