On Wednesday 5th December the shops stayed open late in Merstham for their traditional Dickensian Fayre.

The smell of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and mince pies filled the air while children from Merstham Primary School sang carols to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. The Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Roger Newstead and his wife Mary were the guests of honour.

One of the organisers, Jacqui Wills, owner of 'The Salon' said: "We are very grateful to the shopkeepers for their generous raffle prize donations and to Shanley Homes, Bellway Homes and The Feathers pub for their kind sponorship, as well as Councillor Frank Kelly who has been very helpful.

"All the proceeds from this evening will be going to Cancer Research."