SHOPPING for unique Christmas presents will see visitors descend on a quaint market town renowned for its independent shops over the next two months.

One of the key ingredients needed to provide a festive feel is lights, and this week Hay Chamber of Commerce has launched its Christmas Lights appeal for 2016.

An ambitious fundraising target of £6,000 has been set which would allow the chamber to extend the lights further through the town, as well as carrying out vital maintenance.

Unlike previous years when local businesses have donated towards the lights this year the appeal is also being extended to residents.

Andrew Williams, chair of Hay Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are so grateful to all of the businesses in Hay who give generously to help light up the town at Christmas.

"We are delighted to have the support of the town council who assist us with a grant, but the majority of the cash has to come from donations.

"We hope the lights help to make Hay a great place to visit at Christmas, and encourage visitors from the surrounding areas to do a bit of Christmas shopping here."

To help raise money the chamber has organised an unusual fundraising event – a Halloween Party at Hay Castle with a Mexican “Day of the Dead” theme on November 4.

Tickets cost £8 to include light bites and are available now from Beer Revolution, Want to Canoe? and Eighteen Rabbit Fair Trade.

Donations to the appeal can also be made at these shops or online at: www.hayonwyechamber.co.uk/Christmas.

Clare Fry, deputy chair of Hay Chamber Commerce added: “We have a lot of surprises planned for the event.

“The food is being provided by Boco Loco so we know it will be amazing, plus we’ll have Mexican face painting, great music, and of course a cash bar.”