Chosen by 13 pupils from across six primary schools, Cartner’s No.5 new bar on Shoemarket in the town has scooped first place.
More than 50 businesses entered the competition and were judged by pupils from Carleton Park Junior and Infant School, De Lacy Primary School, Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School, Larks Hill Junior and Infant School and St. Giles C. E Academy.
Paul Cartwright, chair of Pontefract Civic Society said: “We were delighted by this year’s response with over 50 decorated businesses, which was understandably slightly down on last year, though the quality of around 20% of those judged were impressive in the eyes of the pupils.”
A surprise second place went to the Indoor Market Hall, which was a mix of numerous inflatables, wrapped parcels, garlands, and a local stall with a memory tree supporting the Prince of Wales Hospice, plus individual stalls that had decorations.
Last year’s winner, Nail Express on Finkle Street was closely beaten into a worthy third place this year.
Others which sparkled in the eyes of school pupils were Forever After, The Mad Ox, Jackie’s Florist, Beastfair Vaults, and The Tea Shop on Shoemarket.
Mr Cartwright and Phil Cook presented framed certificates to the top three businesses.