FATHER Christmas and the Regatta Princess made their usual grand entrance to mark the beginning of Beer s Late Night Shopping event last Friday. Arriving in a white Rolls Royce, which only had 20,000 miles on the clock despite being 36 years old, Santa an

FATHER Christmas and the Regatta Princess made their usual grand entrance to mark the beginning of Beer's Late Night Shopping event last Friday.

Arriving in a white Rolls Royce, which only had 20,000 miles on the clock despite being 36 years old, Santa and Alice Fitzhenry, this year's Regatta Princess, switched on the Christmas tree lights outside the Mariners Hall before the celebrations commenced.

The usual crowds descended on Beer to take part in the Christmas festivities and buy a range of goods on sale in the local shops.

Christmas shoppers flocked to Mariners Hall to hunt for bargains on the various stalls with local traders selling seasonal items including chocolate, jewellery and crafts as well as bric-a-brac and raffles.

In the background a Balalaika band performed in the hall while people browsed the stalls.

Mulled wine and mince pies were aplenty with several shops opening for passers-by to peruse the shelves and festive treats were also handed out.

The world-famous Wurlitzer was played in Beer Congregational Church while light snacks and teas and coffees were served to warm up the crowds on the cold December night.

Before Father Christmas and the Regatta Princess arrived, St Michael's Church Choir performed Christmas carols outside of the Mariners Hall to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

John Wells, chairman of Beer Parish Council, said: "It went very well. The weather didn't deteriorate until later in the evening when everything was over.

"Lots of people enjoyed mulled wine and various things on offer and the hall was very busy with visitors. People were milling up the length of Fore Street visiting various shops and businesses.

"Most people enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere and it was a very relaxed evening."

Plenty of people passed Park Road where residents have decorated their houses in a true Christmas style in aid of Devon Air Ambulance. The lights will be on display until the New Year with all proceeds going to the charity.