Local communities are lighting up windows all over the city to raise money for charities this Christmas.
Another living advent calendar has popped up on Prospect Road - each day of December a window display is revealed in aid of a drop-in centre for homeless people, Centre33.
The neighbours have already smashed their £125 target and collected £160.
Organiser Kate Maguire, 36, has lived on the street for five years: “People have really enjoyed the community spirit and it’s nice for people walking down the street to see them go up.
“It’s got a festive Christmas feeling and I’m glad we can get everyone together.”
She said she was amazed at the range of creative displays residents have made.
Adding: “It’s a local charity and it’s something people feel quite strongly about because people are much more aware of the needs of homeless people at Christmas.
“Of course it’s relevant all year around but this is a time, in winter, that people need more help and support.
“People have been generous and I have been really pleased.”
Kate revealed her Christmas tree themed window on December 2.
The trend is gaining momentum around St Albans - a similar living advent calendar on Ladysmith Road, Kimberley Road, Folly Avenue and Cannon Street, is raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Keech Hospice.
They have raised more than £3,000 since 2015.
A Kimberley Road resident who has seen window displays all around the city, Amy Edlin, 24, said: “It’s so lovely seeing the windows spring up around this time of year.
“It’s so nice to see the efforts people go to and it brings a real sense of community. They are for such wonderful causes and not only does it raise money, but it also raises awareness.”
She said seeing them has “really put [her] in the festive spirit”.
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