ESTATE agents who turned their windows white for Christmas have won first prize in a traders' competition.

Staff at the Bishop Auckland branch of Reeds Rains made the decorations for their Winter Wonderland display themselves, impressing judges from the Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum.

Businesswoman Kathryn Humes and volunteer Beryl Myers awarded second place by just one mark to decor suppliers Graves and Ramsey, with Sue Ryder Care in third place, Trimmers fourth and R Legge Florists and Flower World joint fifth.

Town centre manager Derek Toon said: "We were delighted to have such a good entry this year.

"Twenty businesses took part which was more that twice the number last year. A lot of effort has gone into the displays and all the contributors are to be congratulated."

Sue Snowdon, chairwoman of the forum's marketing sub group, presented the winner's shield and certificates to the runners-up at a meeting of the group.