TODAY’S the day to see how an East Yorkshire village created an extra special countdown to Christmas.

Residents of Shiptonthorpe, near Pocklington, donated their own windows to create a “living” advent calendar. Since December 1, houses in the village have been taking turns to light up their window for the first time.

Once “opened”, all the windows will remain lit between dusk and 10pm until the end of the year.

The windows use black tissue to create a silhouette picture, or use a stained-glass window effect.

Today the village hall committee is inviting people from surrounding areas to come and take a look at the display.

Tracey Baty, who has created a Four Calling Birds window with her husband Simon and children George, ten, and Ted six, said: “It is based on a Swiss tradition which was brought over to an area in Hull where we used to live.

“We participated and thought it was such a lovely idea, so when we came to the village and realised there was a good community spirit we thought that it would work here. This is the third year it’s been done.”

Maps will be on sale for £1 in the village hall between 5pm and 8pm and the price includes a hot drink.

Market Weighton Young Farmers, who hold their meetings in the village hall, have contributed to the living advent calendar by making a huge star in the village hall window.