THOUSANDS of people visited Wisbech for a Christmas market which was described as a “tremendous boost to the town centre”.

Carol singers, clowns and face painters kept crowds entertained, with about 200 stalls and attractions including a bouncy castle also helping to put visitors in the festive spirit.

Kevin Smith, manager of the Horsefair shopping centre, said: “It was a very successful event for us and a tremendous boost for the town centre at a time when many retailers are experiencing a difficult Christmas.

“It practically doubled the numbers we normally get in the town on a Monday. The weather was awful but a lot of shops actually did well because of it, with visitors going into them to shelter.”

Santa dropped by on his sleigh and a massive craft fair - boasting more than 30 stalls - was held at St Peter’s Church.

Mike Chapman, Fenland District Council’s markets and events manager, said: “We were delighted by how smoothly the whole thing went and by the thousands of people who turned out.

“It was a shame that the weather was so lousy but despite that the number of visitors was surprisingly high and everyone seemed to have a really good time.”