Shops in Ashford will open late on Thursdays in the run-up to Christmas, kicking off with the town centre’s 'Festive Thursday' on December 6.

County Square Shopping Centre hold a late night shopping evening every Thursday all year around, however not all shops take part. As part of Festive Thursday all the shops in County Square shopping centre will stay open until 8pm, as well as shops in the Park Mall centre.

Last week it was announced that Bob the Builder and his girlfriend Wendy will be the special guests at Ashford town centre’s Christmas Lights-On on Saturday, November 17.

Camilla Evenden, store manager of Kids Stuff in County Square, pictured above with colleague Chris Barrell, said: “We are really looking forward to the Christmas lights switch-on this year and very excited that Bob the Builder is coming to town.

"As a result of this news we have ordered a range of Bob the Builder toys and there will be manager’s specials available on the festive family fun day.”

Ashford town centre will also get into the Christmas spirit with the Traditional Christmas Market in the lower High Street which will launch on Saturday, November 17 and run until Christmas.

The Santa’s Grotto in Park Mall will be open from Saturday, November 24.