A HOST of shop windows will be transformed into a live advent calendar in Manningtree preparing for the Christmas festivities.

From Sunday, December 1 shops in Manningtree High Street, Stour Street and Brook Street will join together to create a multi-coloured Christmas window advent calendar throughout the town.

The Brantham House in High Street will start the series with the theme of ‘I saw three ships come sailing in’ and the calendar will be finished on Christmas Eve at the Red Lion, in South Street.

Residents and shopkeepers are planning their creations, which will be made of black card and coloured tissue paper.

All the materials to create the calender with will be provided by Manningtree Business Chamber and the Lemmings Theatre, in Manningtree.

The windows will be revealed at dusk each evening, being lit from behind and will end up looking like stained-glass windows.