Stone will host an unusual carol service this Friday when singers, musicians and shoppers will parade through town singing the appropriate carol outside each shop that took part in the giant Advent calendar competition.

Singers will meet outside the Shelter Charity Shop on Lichfield Street on Christmas Eve at 9.30am and make their way through Stone to Christ Church where Big Issue seller, Monica, will unveil the final window at 11am. The church has chosen Once in Royal David’s City as its theme.

In the build-up to Christmas 24 shops, businesses and organisations have each decorated their shop on the theme of a carol, which were unveiled on a different day in December.

Pam, who was inspired by similar projects in Welwyn Garden City and Brockley, London, said: “The whole project involving businesses, schools and churches in the town has gone brilliantly and everyone is talking about it.”

Children and adults still have the chance to win a prize. Maps are on offer throughout the town and in each shop, there will be a stamp with a date on which their window was opened. Children who collect all 24 stamps will receive a small gift at Christ Church on Christmas Eve and the first adult with 24 stamps will receive a free cut and blow dry at Shear Genius Hairdressers.

For more details ring Pam and David Pott on 01785 286474 or email pam.pott@gmail.com

Press release issued by John Butterworth 01785 817465