Fun before Christmas in Hunstanton with Helping Hands Cafe's festive party and businesses rewarded for best window displays

There was plenty of festive cheer in Hunstanton ahead of Christmas, when a community hub held a party and businesses were rewarded for their exhibits.

While Hunstanton Helping Hands Cafe held its first Christmas party in the hub, newcomers to the town were honoured for best festive shop window displays.

On Monday, December 19, the party was held in the hub at the Town Hall with a free raffle of items donated for prizes by generous members in the community, ensuring almost everyone won a little something.

Mayor of Hunstanton, Cllr Maureen Howard said: "The party was very well attended, our lovely volunteers were kept very busy making fresh turkey sandwiches to order.

"Christmas music was provided by Dinky David.

"Crackers were given out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves with plenty of Christmas food being handed around".

The mayor had appealed for food donations as part of her Christmas Appeal.

Cllr Howard added: "It was wonderful to see so much food donated from the local community and supermarkets.

"It was heart-warming to see so many people helping others in the current unsettled times."

Hunstanton Town Council has sent its thanks to Hughes Electrical in the High Street for filling the food donation basket they had in their store, and to the local Women's Institute for their "amazing" collection of food donations that was presented to the mayor at their recent Christmas party.

Meanwhile, two new shops in Hunstanton and a well-established restaurant were winners in the town council's Christmas Best Shop Window Display competition.

The Witches Cauldron and Fenspirits Larder, who have only been trading for a few months, have been congratulated for helping brighten up the appearance of Hunstanton's town centre over the festive period.

The long-established Northgate Indian Restaurant also won for its magnificent display of coloured lights, which created an "amazing visual impact".

Highly Commended certificates have been awarded to By The Book, The Enchanted Garden, Lily's Pet Supplies, The Norfolk Deli, Norfolk Hospice Shop, Salvation Army Shop and the YMCA Shop.

Witches Cauldron in Westgate selected charities Cancer Wellbeing Support Centre and the Pact Animal Sanctuary to receive the £50 it won.

The Northgate Indian Restaurant and Fenspirits Larder have both asked the mayor to choose a worthy cause for their £25 prizes.

Cllr Howard said: "The 2022 Christmas Shop Window competition has made a real impact in the town at this festive time.

"We are delighted so many shopkeepers have taken the trouble to make the town look lovely."