Wendy LeMasurier of Wendys Cook Shop organised the Honiton late night shopping evening. Photo by Terry Ife ref mhh 5352-49-12TI To order your copy of this photograph go to www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Shopkeeper’s optimism beats the odds to put Honiton back on the map for late-night shopping.

One woman’s mission to return late-night shopping to Honiton in the run-up to Christmas has won civic praise.

Councillors who attended the event, staged on December 6, were so impressed they instructed retiring town clerk Lyn Hargood to write a letter of thanks.

Wendy Le Masurier, of Wendy’s Cook Shop, in High Street, took on the task of reviving late-night shopping - even though it had not proved popular with either shoppers or shopkeepers in the past, and was initially met with scepticism.

The result surpassed all expectations, with around 40 businesses staying open late and plenty of entertainment lined up to keep crowds happy.

Popular Honiton-based music duo The Amycrofters supported the event and played in numerous shops during the night.

Outlining Wendy’s magnificent achievement to business leaders at a breakfast meeting of the chamber of commerce, chairman Colin Wright said: “It was a success and we have received a letter from the town council praising that success.

“Councillors very much enjoyed the atmosphere on the night and are looking forward to the chamber building up the event for future years.”