MORE than 4,000 people flocked to Mole Valley Farmers’ Holsworthy store on Wednesday, November 27, for the first of its special late night shopping events of the festive season.

During the night more than 82 hand-selected, UK grown Christmas trees were sold to local families and children took part in a reindeer treasure hunt around the store. There were also free food and drink tastings and in-store offers.

Store manager Ian Rolinson said: “People were queuing out of the door and waiting to get into the store — it was a hugely successful event. Children were able to meet Father Christmas and reindeers Dancer and Prancer.”

Shoppers took advantage of the special offers and enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and pasties.

The event was so popular that nearby supermarket Waitrose had to lend the store use of its car park to accommodate the stream of shoppers. Ian added: “Our car park filled up and so did the overflow one, so we had to ask Waitrose if customers could use their car park too. We had fantastic support from the local community and everyone looked as if they were having a great time.”