SHOPS impressed judges with their Christmas spirit to triumph in a hotly-contested window competition.
More than 70 businesses had their festive displays sized up as part of Loughton Town Council's yearly contest.
The judging panel - made up of town mayor Stephen Pewsey and councillors Caroline and Chris Pond - said: "There were a number of innovative and novel entries, as well as more traditional themes, with some traders making effective use of sometimes unlikely material.
"One shop featured real candles and another a veritable forest of seasonal greenery on its forecourt."
Florist Rose Garden, in Roding Road, took the independent shop title with its Wizard of Oz-themed display and chose to donate its £100 prize to children's charity The Dream Factory.
Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, in the High Road, impressed judges with its 19th century-style decor to be named winner of the chain category, donating its £100 to Haven House Children's Hospice.
Barnardo's in The Broadway, Debden, landed the crown in the charity shop section, earning £100 for the cause.
Shop staff also received a cup and framed certificate from the town council.
Results in full
Local/independent shops
Winner - Rose Garden florist, Roding Road.
Runner-up - Meryl James opticians, Forest Road.
Highly commended - Bababoom, High Road, and Tony's Hardware, The Broadway.
Multiple shops
Winner - Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, High Road.
Runner-up - New Look, High Road.
Highly commended - Zee and Co, High Road.
Charity shops
Winner - Barnardo's, The Broadway.
Runner-up - Restore, The Broadway.
Highly commended - St Clare, The Broadway.
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