THE first few windows on a giant community Advent calendar outside Alcester Baptist have been opened.

The calendar is bringing Alcester together to celebrate the countdown to Christmas with many of the town’s schools, clubs, church groups, charities and businesses taking a turn each day at opening a door.

First to open the calendar, which is designed in the style of an old-fashioned Victorian shop, were Lord and Lady Hertford.

It is designed with 24 panes, each forming a separate window.

The calendar’s opening will be incorporated into St Nicholas Night celebrations on Sunday, December 4, on Sunday, December 20 it will form the prelude to the annual Carols by Candlelight service, and on Christmas Eve it will form the conclusion to the Christingle service.

Reverend Martin Mills said: “The message of Christmas is of God coming to the world in Jesus, and so Alcester Baptist Church is using this Advent calendar to go out and engage with the community.

“We are delighted that at this time of year the community has enthusiastically agreed to join in with this celebration of Christmas.”

Each day there will be hot drinks and mince pies, followed by the calender opening at 3.45pm, a two minute reflection and a carol. Each session will end no later than 4pm.