HUNDREDS of people crowded Market Place and High Street to take part in Dunmow s late night shopping event on Friday. Stallholders lined the streets and inside the shops, where many of the staff were dressed up in pantomime themed costumes. At The Starr R

HUNDREDS of people crowded Market Place and High Street to take part in Dunmow's late night shopping event on Friday.

Stallholders lined the streets and inside the shops, where many of the staff were dressed up in pantomime themed costumes.

At The Starr Restaurant, the Rev Canon David Ainge drew a large crowd to the carol service. Many people also took part in the St Clare Hospice Light up a Life ceremony.

Children carried light sabres and flashing swords, while pink flashing furry ears were a hit with the girls.

Judging of the best fancy dress was carried out by the Dunmow Broadcast's assistant sales manager Linda Grant. She awarded the coveted Dunmow Late Night Shopping Winner 'Best fancy dress' shield to the staff at Lloyds TSB, High Street, for their Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which included many of them wearing homemade costumes.

Mrs Grant said: "The standard this year was extremely high and it was a very difficult choice to make.

The staff at David Lipson Photography were also excellent and they got second place."

Mayor Frank Silver and his wife Blanche judged The Best Dressed Window Competition, which went to The Cambridge Furniture Company in the High Street. They received a bottle of Champagne as their prize.

The stall run by the Broadcast raised more than £90 for the NSPCC.

Mrs Grant said: "I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated prizes for our tombola, everyone who put Christmas greetings into our paper, and the people who bought tickets."

All of the proceeds from the Broadcast's stall will be going to the children's charity.