YORK'S biggest advent calendar has been launched - involving real windows at the homes of 24 pupils from a city school.

The Advent Window Trail, organised through the Friends of Scarcroft School, takes in Bishophill, Bishopthorpe Road, The Mount and South Bank.

Every day during Advent, an extra window at the home of a pupil's family is being decorated and illuminated, mainly through backlighting.

Once lit up, the windows are being illuminated every evening between 5pm and 9pm until 24 are glowing bright by Christmas Eve, and they will continue to be lit until New Year''s Day.

Organiser Richard Kay said he hoped the venture would raise money for school funds, but the primary aim was to create a 'nice community event - and I think it is going down pretty well, with people starting to walk the trail.'

The window trail began on December 1 in Dove Street, off Nunnery Lane, with a picture of a lit candle, created by Ros Cole and her family.

The second window to be lit up was just down the street, with a star-filled display by childminder Jordan Sawyer and her 'Little Learners' children and family, with the unveiling accompanied by hot chocolate and the singing of Christmas songs.

Mulled wine was also served at the unveiling of the fifth window in Bishophill by Rachel and Nick How, said Mr Kay. Window designs have included reindeer, angels and a Gruffalo/Stick Man.

*Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Friends of Scarcroft School should text FOSS01, followed by a number depicting how many pounds they would like to give, to 70070.