A shop window adorned with piles of presents and countless Christmas trees won this year’s very first Festive Window of the Year 2012 competition in St Albans. 

This is the first year shops in St Albans have been judged on their festive windows and Cath Kidston in Christopher Place won the vote of our mystery shoppers on Friday (December 14).

The competition has been organised by the Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans Chamber of Commerce and will run alongside Festive pub of the Year as a way of encouraging visitors into the city. On hearing the good news, Jo Williams, the store's manager said she couldn’t quite believe her luck.

She said: "This is such a lovely surprise.

"Our team worked really hard to make the window look as good as possible, so it is nice to know people have recognised it." We have gone all out this year and the window goes along with our gift giving idea."

Twelve other shops in the city were shortlisted and Florabunda and Chloe James were named ‘Highly commended festive window’.

Eric Roberts, member of the civic society, said: "This is the very first time we have run the Festive Window of the year and it is a way to entice shoppers in to our city.

"We spent several hours deciding on our winner and we were looking out for windows with colour, bling ribbons and a festive feel.

"Next year we hope more shops in the city will get involved in creating a festive feel to improve people’s Christmas shopping experience."