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.