Crowds turn out for late night shopping in Malmesbury (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Crowds turn out for late night shopping in Malmesbury

MALMESBURY shoppers were out in force on Friday night for the town's annual late night shopping.

Crowds packed the High Street during the evening, as people took advantage of the closure to traffic of the upper part of the road, and enjoyed the sounds of carols from the Salvation Army band, the rhythm of the Pear Tree bell ringers of Purton and the smell of freshly-cooked crepes.

Santa Claus also opened his grotto in the yard behind E+S Shops to get the most important Christmas wants from the children.

Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce chairman Alan Woodward said: "Reaction round the town has been quite positive- lots of people came out, and Father Christmas had 165 visitors in just over two hours, and we had Malmesbury Town Band playing as well."

Elsewhere, well-known Malmesbury artist Brian Neale held a special exhibition of his work in Le Flambe in Gloucester Street, and volunteers from Burton Hill School collected donations from passers-by in the High Street.

Jeweller Paul Newton won the best dressed window competition, and was presented with the prize-winning cup.