Shops in Braintree have been recognised for their efforts in a magical window display competition.

Eleven shops in the town transformed their shop fronts in honour of Harry Potter, marking the start of Braintree District Museum’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry exhibition.

The public voted from July 25 until August 17 as part of the light-hearted competition on Braintree Council’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

Party Inspirations, in Market Place, came first, with Mack's Barbershop, in High Street, following in second place and Patrick & Menzies Opticians, in High Street, coming third.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, responsible for economic development, at Braintree Council, said: “Every one of the windows were absolutely stunning, the work that went into them shows how much talent and creativity there is in the town.

"We wanted to encourage excitement in the Museum’s summer exhibition while helping to raise the profile of our independent shops.

"The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Exhibition at the museum is still on so if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit, I would certainly recommend it.”

The first prize winner received a voucher donated by the Bull, in Market Place, and each of the top three winners were presented with a certificate to display in their windows.

The Town Trail is continuing until September 2, the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Exhibition at the Museum will continue until October 28, and a special Harry Potter Day Two will be held at the museum on October 24.