A  life-sized outdoor advent calendar has been created in Devizes to mark the countdown to Christmas.

The idea – dubbed The Devizes Adventure – was inspired by the hugely successful Brighton beach hut advent calendar and was suggested by a member of St James’ Church in Devizes.

Rev Richard Saint said: "It's intended to be a really fantastic, creative event, by the community for the community, and a lovely way to bring people together on the journey to Christmas.”

As Devizes has neither a seafront nor a beach hut, a local building firm has sponsored a small container on the Little Green facing the Crammer pond outside St James’ Church.

Each night until Christmas Eve, the doors will open for one hour from 5.30-6.30pm to reveal a festive and fun display that will change daily.

The theme is Christmas Stories and the participants, a different group every night, include local schools, churches, families and even the nearby British Lion pub, all giving residents their own creative take on the theme.

Rev Saint added: "Some nights the Devizes Adventure doors will open to music with singing and musicians, on other nights it may be storytelling, art and craft activities or fantastic displays."