AN Old Town street has been transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland.

Over the past month residents in St Margaret’s Road have woken up each day to a new Christmas scene revealed from behind the curtains.

Two dozen homes along the quiet terraced street have taken part in the challenge, each recreating a famous Christmas blockbuster in their front window.

Featuring this year are film favourites The Grinch, A Muppet’s Christmas Carol and Frozen.

The plus-sized advent calendar is the brain-child of organiser the Rev Daphne Hardwick.

Daphne, an associate minister at Christ Church, said: “It’s gone really well — it’s such good fun.

“I have had a few people coming along specifically to see the windows and some people have been making a point of looking at them. The children on the street have been waiting for the next one to appear each day.

“We’re very fortunate in that we’ve got a very strong community spirit here and people show concern and care for others.”

Milly Philpin has lived on St Margaret’s Road for 52 years. The pensioner, who teaches the ukulele to Swindon youngsters, chose as her Christmas film The Muppet Christmas Carol.

“I just love it,” she said. “It’s such a lovely, feel-good film.

“I think Christmas is a happy time. Everybody is that little bit more friendly.”

New mum Alison Adams said: “I love Christmas and it’s even more special this year because we’ve got a son.”

Alison and her family have gone for a window scene themed around children’s favourite film The Grinch.

“We wanted to do a Christmas film — but not something really traditional,” she said.

Although husband Stuart’s suggestion of taking inspiration from Die Hard was overruled, Alison said.

Daphne will celebrate Christmas Day at Christ Church, followed by lunch with her family.

The minister said that Christmas could be “tinged with sadness” for those remembering loved ones who had passed away.

However, she added: “Regardless of your beliefs, Christmas is a time that brings out the best in human beings – a sense of caring. Our world needs it.”