COACH drivers in Cirencester got Christmassy earlier this week, as they gathered around to hear who had won the annual festive coach competition.

Family business Alexcars, at the Love Lane industrial estate in town, hold a Christmas coach competition every year where drivers are pitted against each other to ensure their vehicle looks the most festive.

Employees dig into their own pockets to decorate their designated coach, with some drivers spending up to £80 on tinsel, lights and flashing signs.

"This brings all the drivers together," said Jenny Jarvis, who part-owns Alexcars. "Sometimes when they are out driving they will add extra bits on their coaches or will sneak in early in the morning and add something in secret."

The competition also raises money for local charities and in the past has raised around £400. This year the firm is raising funds for Cirencester Macmillan and Cirencester Hospital League of Friends.

Mayor of Cirencester Joe Harris judged the competition and said he was impressed at how much the decorating had stepped up this year.

"It's fantastic," he said. "In Alexcars there is a really strong local brand. At one point in all of our lives we remember going on an Alexcars coach on school trips. They do great work in the community."

The winner of the competition was Richard Burford, who had decorated his 'party bus' with festive lights, tinsel and toys.