HOUSEHOLDERS across Trowbridge have been helping brighten up the town this Christmas.

The town's Festival of Lights competition was judged on Monday night.

The judges, who travelled around town in the Wiltshire Times vintage bus, were joined by town crier Trevor Heeks and Father Christmas who were handing out sweets to children as they visited more than 30 homes taking part.

Mayor Jeff Osborn said residents in Charles Street, who won the best street category, had made an extra special effort for the night.

He said: "They had a party down there, with mince pies and mulled wine. They all helped each other out with the decorating. There was a lot of community spirit."

Cllr Osborn said the festive spirit shone through all over the town and the judges wanted to thank everyone who had made an effort.

He said: "We could have carried on until midnight and gone to see everyone. At the beginning we stopped at all the decorated homes, but there were so many.

"Everyone who participated did the town proud. It lit up the town. There were some outstanding efforts. The competition has gone from strength to strength."

The Shaw Trust garden centre won a special award for its contribution to the festivities, while the Webb family of Westfield Close was highly commended for their illuminated home.

The Wares of Frome Road, won Best Window, with the Marle family of The Down scooping the best house award.

The Marks' home in Parklands won the best garden section, while Sally and Ivan Taylor of Victoria Gardens won a special award for their gnome grotto.

Competition organiser, and Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce chair Jennifer Polledri said: "It was wonderful. The community spirit was outstanding. There were more entries this year and more spirit than in previous years."

The judges this year included Wiltshire Times marketing manager Louise Keenan, and Marco Polledri, of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, who judged the competition last year.

They were joined by Mayor Jeff Osborn, Chamber of Commerce president Ann Mason, and Heather Skull of BBC Wiltshire Sound.

Participants received a certificate for their contribution to the festive season.