WILD winter weather has put the brakes on some Christmas festivities in Newton Abbot this evening.

Even Santa has ducked for cover as storms threaten to wash out the best laid plans of town organisers anxious to give the community a welcome dose of festive fun.

The late-night shopping bonanza will go ahead as planned – but the expected wet and windy conditions have blown away Santa’a Clock Tower Grotto give-away, the Christmas Street Fayre and the Mayor’s Carol Service.

Free parking will still be allowed in non-barriered facilities from 4pm – and from 6pm in all other car parks.

Disappointed town development manager Sally Henley said: ‘Unfortunately we have had to cancel the events, which we have spent so much time preparing for the delight of shoppers this year, as they were all weather-dependent.’

But she added: ‘We look forward to seeing shoppers and their families in town where they will find a warm and festive welcome despite the weather conditions!’