Braintree Council's Christmas window competition winners

The businesses in Braintree town centre with the most popular Christmas window displays have been announced following a public vote on Braintree Council’s Facebook page.

The top three businesses which received the most votes for their window received hampers with Christmas treats and produce sponsored by Mulberry Homes.

The Natural Way Independent Health Store in Braintree High Street won first place for its hand-painted window display spanning all of the front-facing windows depicting a cosy fireplace, wildlife and Father Christmas.

The Natural Way Independent Health Store in Braintree High Street won first place (Image: Braintree Council)

In second place was another hand-painted display in the High Street at Mack’s Barbers which featured the Grinch, and third was G Collins and Sons Funeral Directors in White Notley, which had a 3D snowman and snowballs against a winter backdrop.

Mack’s Barbers finished second (Image: Braintree Council)

Outside G Collins & Sons Funeral Directors, which finished third (Image: Braintree Council)

A total of 20 businesses took part in the competition with their windows prepared ahead of the Braintree Christmas Market, which took place on November 25.

Residents had three weeks to cast their votes for their favourite.

Almost 1,500 votes were cast in the competition.

Braintree Council chairman Diana Garrod presented the hampers to the winners on Tuesday.

She said: “I am so impressed by the effort put into the Christmas window displays throughout the town.

“It was a pleasure to meet and congratulate the winners and find out more about the effort behind them.

"It has added to the Christmas feel in the town and I’m sure has been appreciated by the visitors to the town”.