FROM the top of the town to the bottom, the streets were packed with shoppers as Tavistock's Dickensian Evening proved hugely successful once again.

The mulled wine was flowing, the mince pies, burgers and hog roast selling like hot cakes and at every glance there was something new to see with entertainment in abundance.

The organisers of the event, Tavistock BID (Business Improvement District), said the evening was 'brilliant' and work had already started on next year's which would be the 30th anniversary of Dickensian evening.

BID manager Lisa Wadling said: 'Over 1,200 people used the park and ride from Morrisons which was three times up on last year, there was definitely a lot more people at the Christmas lights switch-on and 330 people used the free photo booth in West Street so we know that the crowds were absolutely everywhere in the town not just in one area.

'It was just fantastic and the roads did not open again until 10pm.'