A LITTLE bit of festive spirit has been sprinkled on Cirencester, as shops, restaurants and other businesses celebrate the town's annual festive window competition.

The Christmas window competition, organised by Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, saw businesses go all out in making their front window displays as seasonal as possible.

Judges take the day to wander around the town, inspecting each Christmas display, before making their decision. The winner was announced at the Chamber's winter social event at New Brewery Arts.

Awarded the top prize this year was H&H Hairdressing in Castle Street. Staff at the men's hairdressers injected some Christmas spirit into the window with holly, tinsel, lights and a fun train set.

Owner Daryl Hamlett said although it had been a team effort, a big thanks went to staff member Charlotte Savoury, who was the inspiration behind the window.

"We're chuffed to bits," said Daryl. "It's nice that the whole town is recognised rather than just the centre. It was a nice surprise. Hopefully people will wander down and have a look."

Coming in second was children's clothes store Chickadee, in Dyer Street. Owner Yvonne Holmes said she had not even realised the competition took place.

"We had a letter saying we were one of the finalists and we thought 'what a surprise!'" she said. "We do change our window display frequently. We just wanted to reflect children which is why we had reindeer and a sack of goodies.

"We had a tree at the church tree festival too. We gave the children in the shop little Christmas tree templates to decorate and then we put them on the tree."

President of the chamber, Anthony Flynn said he thought this year was particularly competitive.

"The judges enjoyed wandering around seeing all the displays throughout the town," he said. "We like the fact that this is an open competition, even for non-Chamber members, and is simply to celebrate a job well done in terms of the feel good factor in Cirencester at Christmas."