A well-known broadcaster is set to open a highly anticipated festive event in Malmesbury's town centre.

Malmesbury Town Council has announced that the current health editor at BBC News Hugh Pym will officially open the Christmas Late Night Shopping Event in Malmesbury with town mayor Gavin Grant on Friday, December 1.

Hugh, who has family in Malmesbury, and has been reporting on politics, economics, public spending and NHS finance for more than two decades.

Swindon Advertiser: Hugh Pym Hugh Pym (Image: PA)

The annual event has been organised by Malmesbury Town Council and local business promotion group Malmesbury Town Team.

The town's shops and cafés will be open between 6pm and 9pm for residents to enjoy a festive late-night shopping experience. 

Retailers will be taking part in a best-dressed window competition, so visitors will be able to view some spectacular displays.

The High Street will be lined with dozens of stalls, run by local groups and traders who will either be selling gifts, organising games, or offering food and refreshments.

At the Market Cross, there will be entertainment for the family including local choirs, Morris dancing, the town concert band and Santa’s grotto.

The town hall will also be open, playing host to an indoor Christmas market with more stalls for shoppers to browse around.