Despite a chill wind a good number of people attended Holsworthy’s late night Christmas shopping evening last Wednesday December 9, writes Christine Williams.

The majority of shops, banks and other businesses were open and served mince-pies, wine or hot drinks while Holsworthy Lions dispensed burgers and hot dogs in the Square.

Trewin Design put on a special exhibition of paintings by four local artists.

Some stallholders from the pannier market had stayed on and were joined by others selling Christmas gifts.

Members of HATS dressed in colourful costumes were promoting their forthcoming pantomime, ‘Dick Whittington’.

In the Memorial Hall there was a steady stream of shoppers visiting the 25 craft and table top stalls, helping to raise £177 for hall funds.

The evening had begun with a lantern parade of children and adults among whom were two donkeys, Pippa and Pickle and a flimsy dragon. Led by the town band, playing ‘Jingle Bells’, they made their way from the Manor car park to the Square.

Finally, Father Christmas arrived in his sleigh at the NatWest Bank, outside which a queue of children and parents had formed to visit him in his grotto.