FAMILIES in North Oxford have created a real-life Advent calendar to build a more close-knit community in the run-up to Christmas.

Each night, from December 1 until December 23, families have been volunteering to host an evening of carols and Christmas celebrations.

Organisers say the new tradition has been especially enjoyed by local children who, up until now, have only known about the traditions of Advent from the calendars their parents bought in the shops.

Mother-of-two Claire Harrington, who lives on the Waterways estate, said: "It's a lovely tradition.

"People from all over the estate put numbers up in their windows to count down to Christmas.

"Families gather outside and it's a great way to meet the neighbours."

Mercedes Freiburg, 37, of Stone Meadow, said her husband Jochen, 38, brought the tradition with him from Munich.

She said her two children, Gregor, three, and Paula, two, were enjoying the visits to neighbours' houses, and added: "We moved here six months ago and this is a very nice tradition and a good way to meet new people.

"Everyone sings Away In A Manger and then the family hosting the event for the night reads a Christmas story.

"Then there is chocolate and oranges for the children and mulled wine for the adults.

"We will probably hold the last night on December 23 because people are busy in the run-up to Christmas."