City of London shopping street Cheapside will be pedestrianised for a day in December to make Christmas shopping easier.

Shopping hotspots Cheapside, Leadenhall Market, One New Change, Royal Exchange and department store House of Fraser have teamed up for the event.

The road closure will create a walking route stretching from St Paul’s to Poultry. Leadenhall Market and the Royal Exchange will also open their doors on a Saturday for the first time in over a century.

An array of street entertainment will take place on the day.

Cheapside Initiative director Ruth Duston said: “This event will provide a truly unique shopping experience and the chance to indulge in the city’s rich cultural and heritage offer.  See why Dickens chose this part of historic London as inspiration for his famous book - A Christmas Carol. What better place to start the festive season and soak up the spirit of Christmas under the sound of Bow Bells!”