Christmas crowds braved the cold temperatures and hit Clacton's shops for the town's late-night shopping event.
Shoppers flooded into the town centre for the festive fun as shops in the High Street opened late for the first time and Pier Avenue was closed to traffic as usual.
Father Christmas welcomed the crowds at the Christmas Tree Island focal point after last year's mishap with the tree being set up at the wrong end of the street.
Various stalls kept adults entertained while children visited Santa and fairground rides along the street.
The traditional Salvation Army band kept the merry theme going and many joined in with carol singing.
St Helena Hospice hopes to have had a successful night with collection buckets as well as the Light up a Life appeal to remember a loved one who has died.
Terry McKean, secretary of the Chamber of Trade said: "We had a very successful night with more shops open than usual so it all felt far livelier."
Published Friday, December 13, 2002
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