A NUMBER of top fashion brands have opened at a shopping centre in Gretna.

Caledonia Park, formally known as Gretna Gateway, has welcomed new stores ahead of the busy Christmas shopping season.

Earlier this month, retailers including Adidas, Levi's, and Neon Sheep opened their doors to shoppers.

It comes as the retail park launches its weekly late-night shopping hours.

Today (Wednesday), shops will be open 9am and 9pm, and again on December 4, 11 and 18.

To kick off the late-night festivities, Christmas toy parades will begin in the centre today, with another three in the next three weeks.

A spokesman from Caledonia Park said: "This year’s parade will be themed around toys, and will see puppets and characters dressed as everything from festive sugar plum fairies and nutcracker musicians, to the weird and wonderful like our naughty but nice dinosaur and elves riding some giant snails.

"We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be opening Santa’s Grotto up on late-night shopping evenings as well as weekends, giving you even more opportunities to visit Santa."

Next month, for one day only, the centre's Christmas Grotto will be open exclusively for dogs.

The spokesman added: "As we are a dog-friendly centre we didn’t want to exclude all the good boys and girls of the furry variety.

"Bring your pooch to meet Santa Paws on Friday, December 20 from 12pm until 4pm.

"All dogs will receive a special gift from Santa.

"The event costs £3 and all money goes to Canine Rescue and Oak Tree Charities."

For further details, go to: gretnagateway.com