THE search is about to begin for the best Christmas shop window in Northwich town centre.

The Guardian has teamed up with Northwich Town Council to find the shopkeeper with the most festive flair in town this year.

The competition was first launched four years ago as part of our Save Our Shops campaign to celebrate and promote independent retailers and given them a boost in the run-up to Christmas.

Winners have included The Sweet Shop, Crafty Stitches and Gaynor's Curtain Magic, which won the accolade last year.

Guardian chief photographer Nick Jones will take to the streets on Monday, December 1, to photograph the Christmas windows that jump out at him.

He will cover independent businesses in Witton Street, High Street, Leicester Street, Witton Walk, Market Way and Weaver Square Shopping Centre.

Pictures will be put online at northwichguardian.co.uk on Wednesday, December 3, and then it will be over to readers to visit the town centre, take a closer look at the windows and vote for their favourite.

Voting will close on December 17 and the winner will be revealed in the Christmas edition of the Guardian, which comes out on Christmas Eve.

Gaynor's winning window for 2013 was designed by Janet Hinchcliffe and dressed by Beccie Hunt.

It featured a festive fireside scene with Santa climbing down the chimney.

Gaynor said: "The Christmas window is the highlight of the year.

“We like it all because the business is seasonal so all the patterns and designs, and our window, are geared around spring, summer, autumn and winter.

“Each one is good in it’s own right and interesting, but Christmas has got the edge.”