ALTON’S town centre retailers were recognised, in the run-up to Christmas, for their innovative seasonal window decorations, as part of an annual competition run by Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in partnership with Alton Town Council.

Run as part of its recognition of the role retailers play in Alton’s economy, town mayor Dean-Paul Phillips teamed up with ACCI president Stephen Lewis and Alton business development officer Julie McLatch to present the awards for the Best Christmas Windows 2017.

Mr Lewis said: “All visible windows were viewed, and every retailer had an equal chance of being recognised for their efforts.

“There were some good window displays this Christmas and we awarded 18 certificates. This was less than in previous years, reflecting an overall reduction in window displays. Although times are tough in the retail sector at the moment, it is clear we need to do more as a town to encourage and spread Christmas spirit in Alton for 2018.”

Mr Lewis concluded: “Both our organisations recognise the value of our independent retailers, so in the spirit of Christmas we want our town to continue to play host to a whole range of interesting and specialist shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes.”

The winners were:

Best Designed Window Display: 1 Melanie Nelson Interiors; 2 The Cutting Room; 3 Cholily; Highly Commended: Cake Creations Alton.

Most Innovative Window Display: Alton Secondhand Books.

Best Small Window: 1 The Tiny Shop; 2 Airsafe; 3 Alton Herald.

Best Animated Window: 1 Mainly Framing; 2 Get Fresh & Fruity.

Best Christmas Interior: The Swan Hotel.

Best Newcomer: ME Estate Agents.

Best Town Centre Resident: 1 3 Turk Street; 2 8 Turk Street.

Best Charity Shop Window: 1 Resurrection Furniture; 2 St Michael’s Hospice.

Best Multi-window display: 1 Rawlings Opticians; 2 Unique Chique.

Mr Lewis said of the winners: “The windows of Melanie Nelson Interiors and Unique Chique were excellent as usual, but there were others worthy of special mention.

“Mainly Framing continues to impress with its animated window, having moved to new larger premises earlier in the year.

“Newcomer ME Estate Agents had made good use of the same ‘snow’ artists now working on the windows of ChoLily and The Cutting Room, while Resurrection Furniture had made a good display showing a fire place.

“St Michael’s Hospice shop put on a good show as usual and, of course, Mark Mentzel of 3 Turk Street put on one his unusual displays in his basement window well.

“Aside from the window displays, it was also good to see that Market Street once again has Christmas lights.”

Mr Lewis went on to say: “Well done to all those who received certificates and to everyone who made an effort to bring Christmas to Alton.”