Traders in Rochester have taken window dressing seriously this Christmas.

More than 30 businesses in the High Street have put on festive displays and some have won them prizes in a competition organised by the Rochester City Forum.

Chairman Sarah Tranter said standards had improved on last year, the first contest organised by the forum.

She said: "The traders love it, shoppers enjoy looking at it, it's Christmassy and fun.

"There's quite a bit of one up-manship. When they knew the judges were on the way, they were still adding items."

The displays were judged by former BBC news presenter Rob Smith and British soprano singer Faryl Smith, who later sang in the cathedral.

The overall winner was Get Ready Comics. Owner Paul Blakebrough was presented with a festive hamper.

Mr Blakebrough said: "We wanted to up our game on last year and introduce as much colour, as our products are very colourful.

"People love looking in shop windows and it's important that they can see what amazing things our independent businesses have to offer compared to some of the big High Street names."

Joanna Hughes, who runs Kiss the Bride, maintains a stunning display outside throughout the year, but feels it's more important than ever to put on a show at Christmas.

She said: "It's important to put a smile on the faces of passers-by. We are not a Christmas business, but we are all about the magic and sparkle."

The overall winner was Get Ready Comics with the retail winner being Kiss the Bride. Runners-up (retail) were Ginger Lily and Kaizen Jewellery & Antiques.

Moxy Property was named winner of the services category with runners-up Constantine Barbers and the Visitor Information Centre.

Demelza won the charity category with Hospices of Hope runner-up while the hospitality title went to Cafe Nucleus with Sol y Sombra in second.