HAMPSHIRE shoppers were entertained with flame throwers and 'paparazzi' as retailers held a double celebration.

Whiteley Shopping Centre put on a number of events and activities to entertain its visitors over the weekend as it celebrated the countdown to Christmas and the opening of the new £18m leisure complex linked to the shops.

The complex, which houses a nine screen Cineworld and six restaurants, opened last week.

Those trying out the new facilities were snapped by waiting 'paparazzi' outside on a red carpet as part of the celebrations while Saturday shoppers could enjoy displays from light jugglers, a street magician and flame throwers Fire Child.

Yesterday, Santa Claus and his elves were at the centre to meet the crowds, who enjoyed performances from local singers, roller-skating Christmas puddings and could get their faces painted.

Children could also try out arts and crafts in the Santa's Grotto Bus before meeting him.

Santa Claus then joined the 1st Whiteley Scouts in a candle-lit parade through the centre before officially launching Christmas at the centre with an explosion of 'snow' confetti.

Darren Gooding, operations manager, said: "It has been incredibly busy.

"We try to do something a little bit different at Whiteley and the customers seem to like it."