Things are looking up for Maidstone’s lagging retail scene after hordes of festive shoppers descended on the county town over the Christmas period.

Fremlin Walk enjoyed an boost in footfall in the five weeks leading up to Christmas with more than 800,000 people passing through its gates.

The figure was up by more tan 30,000 on the same period last year at a time where nationally centres are seeing a 3% decrease in customers.

The picture was equally as bright for the town centre’s retail establishments during the Christmas Lights switch on and on Black Friday.

The day, which is so called as it was traditionally the day of the year when shops start making profits, fell on November 28 and saw record numbers of bargain hunters flood Maidstone’s retail hubs.

Meanwhile the five-hour switch on celebration, which featured a guest appearance from Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson, saw thousands flock to Fremlin Walk with performances from Maidstone’s Mandy Ellen Dance School and X Factor two-piece Blonde Electra.

This year's event saw a 20% increase in shoppers compared to 2013's.