THIS year s Late Night Shopping Christmas Shopping in Saffron Walden has been hailed as the best yet. Friday evening s event – now in its seventh year – is organised by Saffron Walden Initiative. Chairman Peter Riding said: The weather was kind, the turn

THIS year's Late Night Shopping Christmas Shopping in Saffron Walden has been hailed as the best yet.

Friday evening's event - now in its seventh year - is organised by Saffron Walden Initiative. Chairman Peter Riding said: "The weather was kind, the turnout good, the atmosphere both fun and relaxed and the charity stalls and market traders put on an excellent show.

"I thought it was the best yet in the seven years that the event has been organised by the Initiative."

He added: "Father Christmas and his sleigh provided by the Round Table added to festive atmosphere, as did the Christmas lights, the mini carousel, the stilt walkers, the Cinderella characters provided by the Clavering Players and the music from the Town Band, AfroBeats and Green Card.

"More shops than ever stayed open and quite a few entered into the pantomime theme spirit by dressing up. These included Petrus Mens Design, Gray Palmer, The Earth Collection, Modish and Jacks Outdoor Wear."

The annual event is supported by Saffron Walden Town Council and Essex Police.