Residents of a Kingston road are counting down to Christmas in style.

Homeowners in Mill Street have launched a live advent calendar, with neighbours revealing a specially decorated window each day between now and Christmas Eve.

The first advent window was opened on Saturday, outside the Stanley Picker Gallery at the end of Mill Street.

The festive stunt was organised by Rob Willingham, from Mill Street Residents’ Association.

Mr Willingham said the idea was originally forged in Switzerland – via his parents in Hull.

He said: “My parents live in Hull and they have a residents’ association, which has been doing advent windows for 10 years.

“They got the idea from one of their residents who is from Switzerland.”

Although residents signed up to take part in the advent “calendar”, only Mr Willingham knows who is opening the next window and when.

He said: “It can be any design. It doesn’t have to be about Christmas. Some people have done the latest blockbuster film, and some people have done something around the significance of the number.

“We have got a close knit community so it was not too difficult to get 24 people to do it.”

Saturday’s launch was preceded by an inaugural bake-off between Mill Street residents.

"Three cakes were chosen and the creators will now face off in a pre-Christmas grand final.

David Falkner, Stanley Picker Gallery director, then unveiled the first advent window, designed by exhibiting artist Andy Holden.

Mr Falkner said: “We are honoured to be the number one advent window, and delighted to host the bake-off.”