Exmouth will have a large indoor Christmas market and events space in the Strand this winter in a bid to bring more visitors to the town.

It will come in the form of a marquee capable of holding up to 1,000 visitors, traders and exhibitors, which will be in place from 15 December until New Year's Day.

There will be a variety of family-friendly activities, adult-only events and a New Year party, which will be an "attempt to reinvigorate New Year celebrations that were once famed across the country".

Organiser George Nightingale, who owns Exmouth bar Spoken, said: "Exmouth is just like any other town and high street - suffering. We need to give people a reason to come into the town with their families to relax and have fun over the festive period.

"It needs to be safe, weatherproof and - most importantly - festive and free!"

The first five days of the Christmas village are now open to applications for traders, and in terms of events George is looking for event organisers and community groups to use the space and "put on a spectacle".

For more information and to get involved, email [email protected].