This year's Christmas window competition is set to be judged next week.

Loughton Town Council launched its 'Christmas Window Competition', which automatically entered any shop in Loughton that dresses its window up for the festive season, on October 1.

The town mayor and vice chair of the environment and heritage committee will be patrolling the town on December 1 to view creative shop fronts which demonstrate Christmas spirit and have the 'wow' factor for residents in the town.

Entries will be divided into one of the local, chain or charity shop categories.

The winner of each group will be awarded £100 to the charity of their choice, as well as an engraved cup and a framed certificate.

The Christmas-themed window displays will be judged on a range of criteria, including overall impression, visual impact, creativity, artistic merit, inventive use of materials and effort.