HARDY shoppers have defied wintry weather to keep coming to Blackburn's German Christmas market.

Customers braved Storm Deirdre until the high-winds and freezing rain forced the chalets to shut on Saturday evening but were back the following day.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen's Council's regeneration boss, said: "Local shoppers are hardy souls. We would love a bright, dry run up to Christmas."