DESPITE the wet weather, Okehampton was full of Christmas cheer last Thursday for late night shopping and entertainment on Edwardian Evening.

Residents and visitors battled through the wet and chilly weather to enjoy a festive atmosphere and night of fun in the centre of town.

Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band led the mayor's Christmas carol service in Red Lion Yard, and Morris dancers performed in Fore Street. Father Christmas himself greeted youngsters and spread Christmas cheer from his grotto in the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

A hog roast at Martin's the butchers, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts kept shoppers warm, while the Charter Hall was a point of refuge for those escaping the rain, with music from Okehampton College Big Band and Choir.

Barbershop singers and a barrel organ helped to keep spirits high among the shoppers battling against the rain.

Dignitaries from other towns and councils in Devon attended a mayoral reception in the town hall chambers before enjoying a walk around the shops and town centre.

Town mayor Cllr Rev Mike Davies said: 'The mayor's carol service in Red Lion Yard went well despite the very heavy rain, and it seemed everyone enjoyed themselves.

'I took the mayor of West Devon, Cllr Robin Musgrave, on a tour of the town centre and into many of the town shops, so we filled up on mulled wine and mince pies and had a very enjoyable evening.

'Although there was rain, it seemed everyone else was in high spirits too, and enjoying the fun of Edwardian Evening.'

Owner of Donald's Menswear, and member of the Okehampton Chamber of Trade, Don Rooke said: 'The weather tried its best to ruin things but there was a beautiful atmosphere about the place and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

'There were lots of people despite the rain. It was good to see local organisations like the Scouts, and businesses like Curworthy Cheese and others from the farmers' market out and about.

'The lights are looking fantastic this year, and the Chamber of Trade deserve a lot of credit for that. Donations from businesses for the lights are a little slow, but hopefully that will pick up now people will have seen how fantastic they are looking.

'The town looked fantastic, and there would be so many people to thank for that, but the list goes on and on. It was a fantastic night for Okehampton.'