OVER 400 people thronged Watchet’s main street last Friday for a festive "Late Night Extravaganza" which the organisers hailed as "a great success and an amazing response."

Organised by the town’s Chamber of Commerce (WACET) with the help of the European "Welcome Back Fund", visitors and residents enjoyed a full programme of entertainment and late-night shopping.

A highlight was Santa’s grotto, specially built in the Wilkie May and Tuckwood estate agents’ offices and which attracted long queues of children and parents.

Headed by Britain’s Got Talent runner-up, escapologist and magician Merlin Cadogan, the evening’s entertainment included a brass band, a choir, a stilt-walker, balloon-modelling and fire-juggling. The town’s boat and radio museums were also open to visitors and a popular raffle raised nearly £500.

WACET chairman John Richards said: "There was a wonderful atmosphere and everyone seemed to have a really great time. The idea of gift vouchers which must be spent in Watchet was a great success.

"Traders and businesses reported that they did really well and the night was all part of Watchet getting back on its feet again."

One of many Internet posts read: "I’ve never seen Watchet so busy. It was great fun, well thought out and really lovely to see the town buzzing. We had a great time."