VILLAGERS are readying themselves for the launch of a popular advent trail.

The Castle Hedingham Living Advent Calendar will begin on Sunday when bosses at the Bell Inn, in St James' Street, unveil their Christmas decorated window.

The living advent trail sees 24 windows decorated with festive themes which are then unveiled to the public on a daily basis between December 1 and Christmas Eve.

Beverlee Sammon, who lives in the village and will unveil her window on December 10, has taken over organising the trail from founder Joy Drury.

She said: "I was a little bit worried about taking it on but the response from people has been fantastic and there has been a lot of volunteers come forward.

"It did look like it wasn't going to happen this year but there was such a response on Facebook that I decided to take over.

"It's become really popular and is a lovely idea that seems to bring everyone together. You get a really good feeling of community spirit."

The trail first launched in 2017 and has now become a permanent part of advent in Castle Hedingham.

This year's edition will once again finish on December 24 at St Nicholas Church.

The unveiling of the church window will take place just before the annual nativity service.

A map of this year's trail has been drawn up by local artist Will Dover and shows where each window unveiling will take place on each day.

Ms Sammon added: "Christmas has seemed like a long way off but now that it is nearly here, I'm so excited for the start of the advent trail.

"No one knows what the design is for each window so it will be a surprise everyday.

"I guess you could say there has been some friendly competition between people. I remember doing my window last year on Hedingham Castle and checking all the windows before it to make sure someone hadn't done it all ready.

"I think it will be another successful year and hope everyone can get involved like they have in previous years."

Most window unveiling are expected to take place at 6pm, however timings can be checked by visiting the Castle Hedingham Living Advent Calendar Facebook page.