IT MAY only be May but Dorchester traders are already aiming to kick-start a late night Christmas shopping extravaganza with the biggest and best ever Casterbridge Cracker.

The annual fancy dress fiesta is expected to draw thousands of families, festive shoppers and funseekers into the town centre on December 5.

Chamber of commerce organisers hope to stage more events in High West Street, High East Street and Trinity Street to relieve the strain on South Street after it became badly congested last year.

And the Cracker will also launch late night opening in Dorchester every Thursday in the run up to Christmas, for the first time in years.

Beverley Jones-Beavis, who is joint Cracker chairman with Mark Evans, said: "We hope it will be bigger and better than ever.

"We want to spread out the stalls and events this year. It was almost dangerous in South Street last year because it was so packed.

"The shop doors weren't clear and people couldn't get inside the stores. Other businesses in the roads around South Street complained because there wasn't much near them.

"The common sense idea is to move some things into Trinity Street, High West Street and High East Street."

The Dorchester Carnival Band wowed crowds at last year's Cracker, which also included stalls, Victorian costume, entertainment, competitions, displays and a funfair.

Proceeds are in aid of charity, and an organising committee from Dorchester's chamber of commerce has been plotting the extravaganza since February.

Mrs Jones-Beavis, who runs Dressed to Frill - Groom at the Top, added: "We also want shops to stay open late on the Thursdays after the Cracker in the lead up to Christmas to keep the atmosphere going and get more people into town."

She has also appealed for volunteers from shops to help her and Mark Evans, who runs Great Western Camping in High East Street, organise the extravaganza.

David Evans, who is on the organising committee, said: "There is so much happening in South Street that it takes care of itself.

"We want to stretch it out a bit and have more for children after the fun fair in the Forum Centre car park was such a success last year."

Call Mrs Jones-Beavis on (01305) 263664, pop into her shop in High East Street or contact joint chairman Mark Evans on (01305) 266800.

Helpers can also contact David Evans at Brewin Dolphin, Julie Grove at Fordington Builders, chamber chief executive Derek Buswell, osteopath Lorna Low and chamber president Richard Thorogood at Times House Antiques.