Fears of bad weather have forced the cancellation of a Christmas market planned for Alton’s Market Square on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Alton Town Council said: "Unfortunately, due to the forecasted 40mph winds and extreme weather warning issued for Saturday, we have had to cancel the market.

"There is still free car parking in East Hampshire District Council’s Lady Place car park from 10am-2pm, so why not pop into the local shops instead?

"If you are looking for locally made crafts and independent gift shops, there is the new pop-up indoor Christmas craft market in Westbrook Walk – the old Dorothy Perkins shop – the Alton Creatives Emporium in the Market Square, Quirky Women in Market Street and Unique Chic in the High Street.

"The town centre also offers several well-known household brand names which sit alongside a number of unique boutique shops selling objets d’art, jewellery, rare books, vintage and designer clothes, decorative pieces, crafts and paintings.

"Alton is lucky to have several independent and well-known chain cafés, eateries and traditional pubs in the town centre, perfect for a morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea while you shop."