A dazzling lights display has helped The White Swan to become favourite to win the contest for the most festive pub of the year in St Albans.

The traditional city centre boozer, in Upper Dagnall Street, has received more nominations from the public than any other establishment.

Its most eye-catching seasonal feature are columns of twinkling fairy lights that stretch across the front of the building and hang from the roof to the pavement.

Other pubs to have received strong backing are The Boot, The Garibaldi, The Great Northern, The Portland Arms, The Farmer’s Boy and The Plough at Sleapshyde.

The annual contest is organised by St Albans City and District Council and sponsored by the St Albans Review.

It was launched last month to encourage the city’s pubs to bring an extra sparkle to St Albans during the Christmas period.

Residents were asked to nominate the most festive pub with the list closing earlier this week.

A judging panel will now visit nominated pubs to see first-hand the efforts they have made to mark the festive season.

They will assess such key factors as decorations, customer service, drinks selection and general atmosphere before deciding on the winner.

In particular, they will be looking for something that distinguishes the pub from the others, such as an innovative idea or outstanding customer service.

The winner will get a certificate and a glass trophy that they can show off to their customers.

Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community, will be one of the judges as will Councillors Roma Mills and Chris White.

Cllr Mills said: “I’m delighted that the competition has attracted strong interest with a high number of intriguing nominations. I am now looking forward to taking a tour round them all with the other judges and carrying out the difficult task of choosing a winner.”

Last year’s winner was the Hare and Hounds, Sopwell Lane, with the Rose and Crown, St Michael’s Village, triumphing in 2016.