LORDS will be a-leaping and swans a-swimming in special window displays set up by Worcester businesses.

Independent traders in Friar Street have united in a bid to make their shops more appealing than their online equivalents.

Independent businesses along the historic street, led by 25boutique owner Becky Sutcliffe, have taken part in a scheme to transform their window displays into the 12 Days of Christmas.

Mrs Sutcliffe said the traders were hoping to make the street, which holds some of the city’s oldest buildings, its most spectacular with the “wonderland windows” plan.

“Friar Street traders wanted to set themselves apart this year and make what is a gorgeous street with great businesses even prettier,” she said.

“The aim is to showcase our wide range of businesses which complement each other so well but in a way which fits in with Christmas and our collective offering.

“We want to show that physical shopping rather than online this Christmas is still a great pastime.”

The windows event was launched yesterday with the following being presented: l Jame’s Hate House as 12 drummers drumming, Halo as 11 pipers piping; l Jill Wheelock-Lines and Pockets as 10 lords-a-leaping; l 25boutique as nine ladies dancing; l Beautique as eight maids-a-milking; l Felice and Insitu as seven swans-a-swimming; l You and Sarah Naomi as six geese-a-laying; l Anja Potze and Cardinal’s Hat as five gold rings; l Chocolate Gourmet as four colly birds; l Eggcetera as three French hens; l Perfections as two turtle doves; and l Gillinix as a partridge in a pear tree.

Emporio will showcasing its window with all 12 days.