Shops in Monmouth are planning a late night opening to support the town council's candelit procession tomorrow (Thursday 13th December).

Twelve shops will stay open until 7pm thanks largely to the efforts of two shop workers.

Friends Beccie Harris and Georgina Roach, who work in Millets and New Look respectively, came up with the idea and spent Monday persuading other shops to take part.

Hallmark, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Fat Face, M&Co, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Costa, Joules, Suit U and Shirt Box will join Millets and New Look in the late opening.

"Me and Georgina wanted to do it and had the same day off so went into every shop saying the same thing to get people involved," said Beccie.

"Monmouth suffers because people tend to go to Bristol or Cardiff but with strength in numbers and people coming down the high street, we think it can be a success.

"There were other shops interested who are having their Christmas parties on Thursday or didn't have the staff because it was short notice, so if it goes well there may be another one before Christmas."

The procession will start from the Old Monnow Bridge at 6pm. Meet from 5.45pm to collect an LED-powered candle.

Monmouth Comprehensive School's Brass Players will lead the way up Monnow Street playing 'O Come all ye faithful', and there will be more carols by the Christmas tree outside Shire Hall with Rev Nick Munday.

People are invited to come in fancy dress and there are prizes for the three most imaginative costumes, and a small treat for everyone who dresses up.

Mince pies and hot drinks are being offered by The Punch House and the King's Head, for a small donation to charity.

A temporary road closure will be in force between 6pm and 8pm.

The roads affected are Priory Street, Agincourt Square, Agincourt Street, Castle Hill, Monnow Street, Glendower Street and Blestium Street.

Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the roads will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.