BRINGING advent to life, the Holsworthy ‘12 Days of Living Advent Calendar’ was a great success, with a festive time being had by all.

The living advent calendar was thought of by the town’s mayor Cllr Jo Heaven as she wanted to get the local school children and local businesses involved in something festive. She was accompanied by Kerry and George Wilcox, as well as at least one child every night from Holsworthy Primary School, to visit each ‘door’ on the calendar — the door being the front door of each of the participating businesses.

Every night from December 13 to Christmas Eve, each of the shops/businesses that were chosen ahead of time opened their doors at 6pm to greet the lucky children and the mayor, with a Christmas song, treat or a wonderful display of something joyous and festive.

The 12 Days of Living Advent calendar doors were: 1, Thomas Westcott; 2, YARNS of Holsworthy; 3, Sugar N Ice; 4, Holsworthy Town Council; 5, Crisp N Dry; 6, Cousins Corner Café; 7, The White Hart Hotel; 8, Howes Estate Agents; 9, The Happy Pear; 10, By Designs; 11, GSD; 12, Kings Arms Hotel.

On the final day, Christmas Eve, everyone gathered in the Kings Arms for a magical time. The theme for the night was ‘The Nutcracker’ and Father Christmas and his elf were on hand to distribute presents to the children. Everyone was then invited to a picnic where sandwiches, soft drinks and chocolate was served. A spokesperson said: “It was a wonderful end of 12 Days of Living Advent.”