THE Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Christmas shop window competition attracted more entries than ever, with a record number of certificates awarded for festive effort.

According to chamber president Stephen Lewis, while it was “disappointing to note that there were still some retailers who were not decorating their windows at all, many others went all out to make their windows Christmassy, and this is to be commended”.

Last year’s competition saw the introduction of a community involvement award to recognise the effort made by Hamptons International, who were running a children’s Snoopy competition.

Mr Lewis added: “It is encouraging to note that Alton’s empty shop units are gradually filling up with new retailers and it was pleasing to be awarding newcomer The Hampshire Home Company a certificate.”

The judging was carried out in the run-up to Christmas by Alton mayor Pam Jones, past Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Pat Lerew, and current president, Stephen Lewis.

Results:

Most Festive Window: 1 Melanie Nelson Interiors, 2 The Knitting Habit, 3 Get Fresh & Fruity, Highly commended (HC): Hair.

Best Multi-Window: 1 Unique Chique, 2 Alton Secondhand Books, 3 The Hampshire Home Company, HC Shelter.

Best Small Window: 1 Tiny Shop, 2 Rawlings Opticians.

Best Animated Window: 1 Party Cakes, 2 Mainly Framing.

Best Christmas Window (Hospitality): 1 Kings Head, 2 JD Wetherspoon, 3 Bottega dei Sapori, HC Monty’s.

Most Festive Window (Multiple): 1 Iceland, 2 Waterstone’s.

Most Community Involvement: 1 Hamptons International.

Best Town-Centre Resident: 1 Mark Mentzel, 3 Turk Street.