BUNTING was hung and Union flags were proudly displayed as votes poured in to determine the winners of the Great Yarmouth Diamond Jubilee Window Dressing Competition.

More than 30 town centre traders entered the competition which was split into two categories, one for national retailers and one for independent traders.

Three entries were shortlisted from each category by a judging panel led by Mayor Colleen Walker and votes flooded in.

The independent category was won by Sentiments, with Pat-a-Cake and The David Howkins Charity Memorial Museum scooped the runners-up award.

Sentiments proprietor Richard Burton was delighted to win, having worked on his window display until 4am on the eve of the competition.

“It was definitely worth the effort as we have had lots of positive comments from passers-by and I would like to thank my staff and everyone who voted for us for their support,” he said.

As part of the independent winners prize, Mr Burton picks up �1,000 of advertising from Archant and �500 of training from the Retail Skills Academy.

The National Category was won by Marks and Spencer, with H.Samuel and Store Twenty One the runners up.

M&S store manager Richard Essex said: “I’m very proud to receive this award on behalf of my store.

“It’s fantastic to be recognised by the public for creating a sense of jubilee celebration in store.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Rob Wall, our visual merchandiser, for his hard work in giving our customers an inspirational display to be proud of.”

Town Centre Manager, Jonathan Newman, who organised the competition alongside Market Gates shopping centre, the Retail Skills Academy and the Great Yarmouth Mercury, said that he was delighted with the number and quality of entries to the competition and thanked everyone who took part.

The judging panel, including the Mayor Colleen Walker, visited every entrant to see the windows for themselves, before whittling them down to a shortlist which was published in the Mercury.

“When we walked the judging panel around the town a three weeks ago it was amazing to see how much effort everyone had gone to. The judges were very impressed and the short listing process took a lot longer that anticipated.”

A Diamond Treasure Hunt was also organised as part of the jubilee window competition with one correct entry picking up �60 of shopping vouchers.

The winner was Lily Burton from Cambridgeshire.