SHOPPERS and traders in Chippenham joined the festive spirit on Saturday with an extra special effort in the town centre.

The town's regular Saturday market, at the Buttercross, took on the Christmas theme, complete with decorations and a visit from Santa.

The event was staged with help from Chippenham Town Council and the Town Centre Development Partnership, which helped provide the entertainment.

Town promotions and events officer Emma King said: "Our market traders decided they wanted to have a Christmas-themed market, and we had entertainers, Father Christmas, Mr Snowman and Rudolf."

Traders joined in the party atmosphere by decorating their stalls and wearing Christmas hats.

The entertainers went down a storm with children who were out Christmas shopping with their parents.

Mrs King said: "There was a lovely atmosphere with lots of people and a very Christmassy feel.

"It is a successful market which is growing, and this was a way to raise the profile and build on what is happening there."

Saxophonist Bob Morley and members of Chippenham Town Band also entertained shoppers.

Balloons, sweets and Christmas music helped the event go well.

Mrs King said the successful event could be repeated in future. She said: "We would not rule it out and will see what the market traders want to do next year. It was definitely popular."