A CHRISTMAS window display, which took three weeks to create, has taken top honours in a competition to brighten up Bishop Auckland.

Trimmers hairdressers, on Newgate Street, was awarded first prize by the Bishop of Durham, The Right Reverend Paul Butler in the annual event organised by Bishop Auckland Town Team.

The event, which has been going for 12 years, saw seven businesses battle it out.

The Trimmers display was created by stylist Belinda Young, who wanted it to appeal to people of all ages, using the theme the 12 days of Christmas.

“Everything used in the display has been bought in the town,” she said. “We wanted to make it fun.”

The Bishop said: “I was impressed with the amount of hard work and creative thought which has gone into this display. It will appeal to all ages.

“I think the Christmas window competition is a great idea and a really good community thing to do.”

Clive Auld, of Bishop Auckland Town Team, added: “The idea is to brighten up the town and encourage traders to make their window displays festive.

“It is another event on the town team calendar and it hopefully encourages more people to come into the town.”