A DICKENSIAN Christmas market proved as popular as ever as residents enjoyed browsing and buying all sorts of crafts and gifts.

The traditional market, which took place in the Newlands shopping centre in Witham town centre, provided the perfect opener to the festive Christmas lights switch-on.

Many visitors got into the spirit of the event, which has been a crowd-puller for many years, by taking the opportunity to dress up in Dickensian-style clothing.

But it wasn’t just about the crafts, gifts and clothing, because there was plenty of food and drink on offer too.

A tombola and raffle were also held for punters to win prizes while performers kept the crowds entertained before the eagerly-awaited Christmas lights switch-on got under way in the town.