Oakham discount retailer QD is giving Santa a helping hand by donating 400 sweet treats for the town's annual Christmas late-night shopping event.

Taking place on Monday (9 Dec), the night sees many of Oakham's retailers staying open until 9pm, and a host of festive stalls on the High Street and inside Oakham Castle and Victoria Hall.

A fun fair will also be along the High Street and Church Street.

QD in Church Street is the town's newest retailer, having opened at the beginning of November, and is donating 400 chocolate selection boxes for Santa to hand out to children visiting his grotto.

Running inside the Admiral Hornblower's marquee, the grotto will be a chance for children to meet the big man himself and tell him what's on their Christmas lists this year.

Anita Ozya, store manager at QD Oakham, said: "We've had such a warm welcome from everyone in Oakham since we opened in the town a few weeks ago and this is our way of saying thank you.

"We are delighted to be supporting this event, which is a great opportunity to encourage people to shop locally in the run up to Christmas and support our local high streets."

Carolyn Acton-Reed, Oakham's town centre manager and organiser of the late-night shopping event, said: "We rely on the support of local businesses to help make these events such a great success each year.

"Despite having only just opened in the town, we are so pleased to have QD's support for the grotto – it is very much appreciated by us and Santa too!"

The Christmas late-night shopping event in Oakham on Monday runs from 4pm to 9pm.

QD is all set for Christmas with a dazzling display of quality Christmas trees, lights, decorations, plus sackfuls of gift ideas for all the family.