Hundreds of well-wishers joined forces to spread Christmas cheer as they unveiled the UK's longest paper chain at Borough Market. Members of the public were invited to write festive messages and notes on red, white and green paper, to add to the impressive decoration. Over 150 of the market's visitors shared their touching handwritten notes, as well as over 367 messages from around the world.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also took part in the project, writing: "I wish for lots more surplus food to reach Londoners who need it this Christmas and in 2017 #BoroughXmasWishes."
The paper chain is an impressive 472 metres long, making it over 150 metres longer than the height of The Shard, the UK's tallest building. It took a team of six over 12 hours to create the chain, as well as a further 13.5 hours in order to install the striking project overnight. To add to the overall effect, sparkling baubles and twinkling fairy lights were also attached.
The last link of the chain was connected to switch on the lights by 90-year-old Lotti Henley, who founded charity PlanZheroes which focuses on tackling food waste. It comes as no surprise that she teamed up with Borough Market as over the last two years traders have donated extra food at the end of each Saturday's trading day leading to over 50,000 meals for vulnerable people in the city.
For more information visit boroughmarket.org.uk