DRIVING rain and gale force winds may have stopped visitors from further afield coming to Okehampton's Edwardian Evening — but the crowds who did brave the elements enjoyed a warm welcome from the town.

Ian Bailey, chairman of Okehampton Chamber of Trade which organised the evening, said: 'Overall, I think considering the diabolical weather the evening was very successful and the traders are happy.'

'We want people to come to Okehampton, able to enjoy themselves in a happy and safe festive shopping period and not worry about their clothes being ruined by mindless idiots.'

Richard Appleby of Millennium Music in the Victorian Arcade said the evening was 'wonderful'.

'All credit to the people of Okehampton and all the customers who took the trouble to come in and support us.

'Almost every shop in the Arcade was open, there was a great community atmosphere with everybody sharing wine and mince pies.

'It was a nice community evening — and we did a lot of business as well!'

Donald Rooke of Donald's Menswear said: 'Considering the weather it was brilliant.

'Everybody that made the effort thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

'The weather was horrendous so a lot of people from outlying villages couldn't get here, but some good trade was done.'

Mr Rooke said a tremendous amount of effort is involved in organising Edwardian Evening — he was keeping his fingers crossed for next year's big event, which will be held on December 6.

Maurie Webber from the Museum of Dartmoor Life said: 'The atmosphere was good and certainly the children thought our grotto was magical.

'I would say considering what the weather was like it was probably a good evening — we did have a lot of children here.'

The shield for the best dressed trader was presented by the mayor of Okehampton, Christine Marsh, to Pat Turner from the town's Age Concern shop.

Best dressed ladies were Ann Hayne and Dorothy Smith from A & D Dress Agency in Red Lion Yard.

Cllr Marsh said conditions for the evening were 'awful' with many visiting mayors unable to attend.

'It was a great shame,' she said.

Shoppers who missed out on Edwardian Evening can take advantage of later opening hours tonight (Thursday) and next Thursday evening, when most traders in Okehampton will be closing late.

The only thing that marred the evening was the 'yob element', said Mr Bailey.

He said youngsters were wandering around the town, throwing eggs and flour.

'That doesn't do the town any good,' said Mr Bailey.

'The chamber is taking decisive action to make sure that these kids don't get the chance to repeat this sort of behaviour next year.'