Hitchin shoppers will have extra time to pick up Christmas gifts when late-night shopping returns to the town on Wednesday, December 16.

The event will run from 5pm to 8pm, with a range of local businesses keeping their doors open into the evening.

It offers residents the chance to tick off their Christmas shopping lists while supporting local shops in the run-up to the festive season.

Shoppers are also being encouraged to stay in town afterwards for Carols in the Square, organised annually by the Rotary Club.

Announcing the event, organisers said: "We are bringing our popular late-night shopping back to Hitchin on Wednesday 16th December, lots of local businesses will be opening their doors until 8pm."

A list of participating businesses and further details about the carol singing were not included in the announcement.