CHRISTMAS is a time when cities across Europe really come to life, with festive markets selling everything from mulled wine to toys.

And while there's plenty of choice across the continent, the Guardian has come up with '10 of the best Christmas shopping cities in Europe' – and one Herefordshire town has made a surprise appearance on the shortlist.

Listed alongside Lisbon, Lille in France, Ghent in Belgium, Munich, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Vienna, Naples

and Amsterdam is Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Described as a 'picturesque, stress-free option' compared to other UK cities such as Bath, Brighton and Manchester, Ledbury businesses including Hus & Hem, the Three Counties Cider Shop, Tinsmiths, the Three Counties Bookshop and the Velvet Bean Chocolates are all listed as local highlights.

The author also recommends the Prince of Wales and the Seven Stars as 'pit stops' whilst shopping in the county market town.