FARINGDON shopkeepers are hoping to put major roadworks behind them by organising a Christmas spectacular.

The event, called Cavalier Christmas, will be held on December 8, and will provide visitors with period music and dancing. The Sealed Knot Society will also re-enact a light-hearted version of the Oxford protest against Cromwell's banning of the celebration of Christmas.

The promotion, organised by the Faringdon and District Chamber of Commerce, follows three months of traffic chaos caused by roadworks to replace a gas main running through the town centre.

Transco ran into problems with the project after coming across a culvert that was not in its original plans. The roadworks have now largely been completed.

Andrew Ibbotson, of the Faringdon Chamber, said: "After months of confusion and chaos we are now firmly back in business. Traders are preparing to welcome those who may not know Faringdon too well.

"Many shop staff and residents are planning their own version of period dress and schools in the area are being invited to join a period dress competition."