Windows throughout Stanway will be lit up each evening in the run-up to Christmas to celebrate advent as part of a church community project.

A rota has been devised whereby parishioners in Lakelands and Oakwood Meadows decorate their front windows with lights, a bible verse, and decorations to depict a scene from advent.

On Monday December 20, there will be a carol service at 6pm on the green at Sea Lion Approach, where people are welcome to take along lights and mince pies.

There will be a similar gathering the following day, Tuesday December 21, on Lakelands Green.

The idea for the window displays each day of advent was devised by Jo Jeffery, who had organised a similar display in West Bergholt last year where 24 different windows told a Christmas story.

The Rev Wendy Pagden, who is the pioneer and community priest in Stanway, was delighted to see a similar idea come together in her parish as well.

She said: “I think of ways we can spend time in the community and bring it together in different ways.

“A lot of people don’t go to church, but are still interested in the Christmas story – it helps the whole community come and enjoy Christmas altogether.”