RECORD numbers of townsfolk of Chudleigh attended the annual Late Night Shopping and Christmas Lights turn on, writes Douglas Neely.

Alison Neely, chairperson of the Christmas Lights committee, said: ‘The switch on is always one of the highlights of the Chudleigh calendar.

‘Father Christmas again blessed us with his presence and led the parade from the church to the Square, where the town centre lights were switched on by two popular local characters, Gina and Ali, who also compered the entertainment on the night.’

Although the temperature was below zero, there were plenty of food and drink outlets available to warm people up and the indoor Craft Fayre was as popular as ever.

Alison also wanted to praise the hard working committee which spent many months preparing for the evening and the teams of marshals, who helped in the church and with the road closure.