Evening shopping gets under way with special visit

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Truro as Santa and his reindeer heralded the start of the late-night shopping season last Wednesday.

Families from all over Cornwall thronged the pavements and dipped in and out of shops, bars and restaurants which kept their doors open after dark.

The day's persistent drizzle gave way to a warm clear evening as the six reindeer were herded into their makeshift pen in Victoria Square.

And delighted children watched Father Christmas joined them and set off under an hour later.

Moments beforehand he had entertained children's art competition winner Alice Churchill, nine, from Lanner, and her seven-year-old brother Samuel, before they rode along in his sleigh.

Sponsored by Malletts Home Hardware, the herd then followed a marching band through the closed city streets, making a loop around the Christmas tree in High Cross before taking in Boscawen Street and Lemon Quay.

Once back in the square, families watched them enjoy a much-deserved snack, especially charmed by a pair of cute calfs.

Street entertainment and refreshments also kept spirits high.

Malletts store manager Sid Weeks said: "It was very successful.

"We at Malletts like to help put the tradition back into Christmas and Father Christmas and the reindeer proved so popular last year we wanted to repeat it.

"We're highly delighted with the way it went."

Late-night shopping continues over the next few Wednesday evenings, with various markets and events to add to the festive feel.

Log on to www.thisiscornwall.co.uk to see a slide show and video of the evening.