A LATE-night Christmas shopping event in Overton attracted scores of people to the High Street.

The long-running annual event, organised by Overton Business Association, (OBA), put villagers in the mood for Christmas with a Santa’s grotto, carol singers, fairground attractions, and plenty of Christmas trees for sale.

The evening, which is designed to encourage people to shop locally, has been a fixture on the village calendar for many years.

Alexis Walmsley, of the OBA committee, said last Friday’s festive fun was a fantastic event.

She said: “It was packed and there was a long queue of children who were so excited to see Father Christmas. To see the look on their faces when he arrived was really very special.

“The response from everyone has been fantastic and I was speaking to one shop owner who told me their takings had tripled. So many people worked really hard to make the event a success and the parish council was an enormous help, providing central lights.”

Many of the shops were offering discounts to shoppers and serving mulled wine and mince pies.

Mrs Walmsley said: “The idea behind the event is to encourage people to shop locally and I think it was very successful. We have had some brilliant feedback.”