LATE night shopping in Evesham last Thursday is likely to be the last in its present form.

"Those who came were buying and were there with a purpose, and more shops were open than ever before," said Wychavon District Council town centre officer Lew Hammond.

"But we didn't get the crowds there that we would have liked."

Reasons for the lower-than-expected numbers included competition from Stratford, Cheltenham and Worcester, the weather and the traffic problems caused by resurfacing in Cheltenham Road.

"Nonetheless it was very successful and those who came thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Evesham was a nice place to be that evening," Mr Hammond said.

He added: "What has been suggested to me is that we have a Sunday event next year and so we are going for the second Sunday in December, developing something special for a market town."

Attractions included fairground organs, strolling musicians and artists, a farmer's market and kiddies attractions in the Riverside Shopping Centre.

The event also included a Christmas Lantern competition and a Christmas Windows competition.

Roll of Honour

Christmas Windows: Service Industry and Travel Agents: 1 Evesham Travel, Port Street, 2 Waller and Waller, High Street, 3 Trichology, Port Street.

Hairdressers: 1 Dereks. Church Street, 2 Headliners, High Street.

Florists: Louise Jeynes, High Street, 2 Flower Cellar.

General Retail: 1 Manor Interiors, High Street, 2 Tower Trophies, High Street, 3 Laporta Antiques, Abbey Gateway.

Pubs, cafes, clubs and hotels: 1 Rilys, Waterside, 2 Cottage Tea Rooms, Vine Street.

Overall winner for joint effort: Vine Mews. Most innovative window; St Richard's Hospice.

Christmas Lanterns

5 Group: Connor and Kieran, Class 2 Honeybourne Fist School; 6-8 Group: 1 Jake Elson, St Richard's First School, 2 Charlotte, Class 3 Honeybourne First School, 3 Lucy, Class 3 Honeybourne First School; 9+: lst equal Lucy and Thomas Cook, Class 5 Honeybourne First School. School winners Honeybourne First School get £50 and the services of a professional artist for two days.

Prizes of hampers in the Christmas Windows competition were sponsored by the Vale of Evesham Tourism Association, Evesham Chamber of Commerce and Bengeworth Traders Association.

Prizes in the Lanterns Competition were sponsored by Evesham Journal, West Cornwall Pasty Company, Evesham Town Council and Wychavon District Council.

6 Lantern Competition winner Jake Elson (aged 6) from St Richard's School. dc2622-a