CHRISTMAS shopping in Ely just got much easier as more than 25 shops in the city will be staying open later. Shoppers taking advantage of the late night shopping will be able to visit a whole range of shops, from High Street names to specialist traders a

CHRISTMAS shopping in Ely just got much easier as more than 25 shops in the city will be staying open later.

Shoppers taking advantage of the late night shopping will be able to visit a whole range of shops, from High Street names to specialist traders and buy anything from a new television to a box of chocolates.

John Bridge, chief executive of Ely Chamber of Commerce, said: "The unique selection of outlets in Ely make it the perfect destination for Christmas shoppers in search of that perfect Christmas gift. The chamber is committed to attracting new shoppers into the city in whatever way we can, and we are delighted to work in partnership with East Cambridgeshire District Council to bring late night shopping to Ely."

Jan Collie, chairman of the Ely Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is the first time shops throughout Ely have joined forces to open late on the days leading up to Christmas. It's an exciting start and the first of a number of initiatives planned by Ely Chamber of Commerce. We're sure it'll be a great success for shop owners and shoppers alike and we very much hope it will become an annual event."

Angie Pople, owner of FineTable, High Street, said: "People live such busy lives these days that they often don't get to shops during the traditional opening times of nine to five. We hope by opening late to offer these people the chance to do their Christmas shopping when they want to."

There will also be a funfair on the late night shopping nights and other activities to entertain those who are not interested in the shops.

Shops confirmed to be opening late are: Currys, Millets, New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Two Ticks Watch Service, Waitrose, Gibbs of Ely, The Old Choir House Gift Shop, FineTable, Lollipop Animation, Three Cups Gallery, Yours, Burrows Bookshop, Spa of Ely (Health & Beauty), Bon Marche, Cargo, Griffin Antiques, Peacocks, Gallery Frames, Pizza Express, Fenway Electrical, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Toppings Bookshop, Carphone Warehouse, and Cherry Hill Chocolates. For the last two Thursdays before Christmas: Iceland.

If people would like to come along to the Ely Standard office in Market Street betwen 5pm and 6.15pm we will be handing out mince pies and mulled

wine.