IT will soon be time for the windows of Worcester's shops and businesses to come alive with festive window displays.

This year we are asking Worcester News readers to pick their favourites dressings as part of our Christmas window competition.

One lucky winner will receive £360 worth of vouchers donated by an the eclectic mix of businesses taking part, giving them a welcome boost that will really get their Christmas shopping off to a flying start.

Lots of the city's businesses have already signed up, including New England, Wise Owl Toys, Rock Follies and Ice Fine Jewellery.

House of Fraser and Marks and Spencer will be taking part along with Embrace, Iapetus, Stripes and Cornucopia.

Readers will also find festive displays at Revital, Me and My Friend, the Tourist Information Centre, Anja Potze, House of Dogs, Swan Gifts and Worcester Guitar Centre.

Today (Friday) is the last day for businesses to sign up to the competition, which we are running along with Worcester BID as part of the Christmas in Worcester campaign.

Samantha Murphy, from Worcester BID, said: "The Christmas window competition is a fantastic way to create a festive atmosphere for shoppers and inspiring them with gift ideas.

"The competition gives participating businesses a great opportunity to promote their festive products and services, and there is the chance for the business to win an advertising campaign with the Worcester News.

"Worcester BID enjoys supporting the window competition as it is a great way to help increase awareness to shoppers of Worcester’s unique independent boutiques and major retailers in the city centre."

There are still some spaces left but organisations need to register their interest and donate £10 worth of vouchers to the competition.

They then have until Sunday, November 20 to make sure their windows are Christmas-ready for when a photographer comes round to capture their work.

Pictures of the windows will appear in a special Christmas supplement in the Worcester News on Thursday, December 1.

Shoppers can then visit the windows to vote for their favourites.

The winner will be selected randomly and announced on Friday, December 9 in the Worcester News.

The successful business will win a free advertising campaign, worth £600, to showcase their business before March 2017.

Your windows will need to be ready by the 20th November, for photographs to be taken on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd November. Photos will appear in a special Christmas supplement on Thursday 1st December where readers are encouraged to visit your businesses to vote for their favourite window using the codes displayed in the windows (codes will be distributed out to you shortly after registration closes).