TRADERS in the town centre are being encouraged to stay open late this evening (Friday) and offer visitors to the lights switch-on event the chance to do some late night Christmas shopping.

Animal Crackers, located just off High Street in Dolphin Court, will be preparing their own Christmas decorations and lights so they will be staying open late for the evening.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill in The Square will be offering 20 per cent off all clothing and will stay open until the end of the event.

Halsa in Chapel Street will be staying open late and offering their customers mince pies and a glass of wine.

Boots in High Street will be open until at least 6.30pm with their Black Friday event continuing throughout the day.

Petersfield Barber Shop in Chapel Street will be staying open until 8pm.

The Sweet Stop in Bakery Lane will remain open until 7.30pm, offering a wide range of traditional sweets, luxury fudge, Christmas stocking fillers and bespoke gifts.

Signature Kitchen Designs, located in Dolphin Court just off the war memorial end of High Street, will be open until 8pm.

Stuff in Chapel Street will be opening until 8pm and offering mulled wine and mince pies to all. It will also have an offer of 25 per cent off all Anglepoise lamps.

Constad Jewellers in the High Street will remain open until 7pm.

Meon Valley Travel Group will be open until 8pm and are running a competition to win a Christmas hamper worth £100.

The Folly Market in Petersfield will also be open.