Father Christmas’ work may be done for another year but staff at a St Albans estate agents has brought their own seasonal cheer to children.

Aiming to tap into the creative talents of children from schools and nurseries across the district, Harrison Murray in St Peter’s Street launched a region-wide colouring competition.

And Christmas came a little early for children from Marshalswick Community Pre-school in Marshalswick when they entered into the fun festive spirit by adding a serious splash of colour to their designs.

Harrison Murray's branch administrator, Tracy Parker, and the team said they had the tricky task of judging the entries to select the winners.

Ms Parker said: "This was a great community initiative to be involved with, particularly in the run up to Christmas and our thanks to the nursery and all the children who took part."

Dylan Monk, 3, won first prize when he picked up a £20 Toys R us voucher, Phoenix Cooke, 3, came second and won a Christmas selection box.

Meanwhile two-year-old Theo Trounce took third prize and picked up a Christmas selection box.

The nearby Harpenden branch also ran a competition in conjunction with St Nicholas Primary School in Church Green, Harpenden, presenting young winners with similar prizes.