Winter is here (in a meteorological sense, at least) and December has begun with a series of clear, crisp and chilly nights.

As a result, Chester has been looking both festive and fantastic – as these brilliant pictures show.

They were taken by Deeside-based Ben Taylor, a keen sports and events photographer who decided to try night photography as an experiment.

Ben, who uploaded the pictures to his Facebook page over the weekend, says it was well worth braving the cold and he could not be happier with the results of his late-night excursions into Chester.

"It's my first attempt at night photography and I must admit I quite like it," said Ben, who works for builders merchants in North Wales and takes pictures in his spare time.

"A lot of people seem to be getting enjoyment out of the pictures and I've had quite a few enquiries about the one of the suspension bridge, with its reflection in the river."

Ben's pictures were so good, we felt we had to share them with you. Enjoy!