Late night opening at a shopping centre could be the answer to boosting trade in the town, according to its manager.

Dover’s high street may have more than its fair share of boarded-up shops and empty precincts, but Peter Nix hopes his new initiative at the Charlton Centre will encourage Christmas shoppers to stay local - and kick start regeneration in the town.

The string of late night shopping evenings started this week and will carry on for the next 10 weeks.

Mr Nix said: “We hope these late night shopping evenings will encourage the residents to use small local businesses.

“We hope to have enough support to make this a regular thing.”

Mr Nix and Joseph Dublin, the new owner of the centre’s cafe, came up with the plan when they were discussing ways to entice more customers into the shops.

When the East Kent Mercury asked residents where they choose to shop, the majority said neighbouring towns such as Folkestone, and some travel as far as Canterbury, Ashford or Ramsgate.

Mr Nix’s photographic studio will be open, along with other shops that sell gaming items, arts and crafts, clothes, carpet and other household items.

It has also been confirmed that performers will be on-hand each week to provide entertainment.

The centre and its car park will open from 7am to 8pm.