A TOWN'S best-dressed Christmas shops have been awarded for their colourful contributions to the festive season.

Loughton Town Council has selected three stores with the best Christmas decorations and all winners were handed a £100 cheque for the charity of their choice.

Winner in the independent category was Ches Boutique, in Loughton High Road, in the chain category Mackays, in the High Road came first, and St Clare Hospice, in the Broadway won in the charity section.

Each winner received an engraved cup to keep for 11 months and a framed certificate presented by the town mayor, Cllr Ken Angold-Stephens.

A spokeswoman for the town council said: “Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all participants who entered the competition this year and for adding to the festive atmosphere in the town for Christmas.”