HUNDREDS of endangered animals including an enormous white elephant floated down Salisbury High Street last night as the city came out for the Christmas lantern parade.

The procession wound its way from the Cathedral Close to the Market Place, where 3,000 onlookers were entertained with a performance from Silversphere a dancer suspended high in the air from a giant shimmering orb.

People vs Planet was the theme of this year's parade, which saw snow leopards, sea turtles, penguins, a wolf and a unicorn among the entries.

The elephant came courtesy of Devizes Lantern Group, and Chalky the Panda accompanied players from Salisbury Football Club.

The procession was led by Alex Miles from Kaya Rhythm and Drums.

Among the schools and groups that took part were Sarum St Paul's, Harnham Infant, Coombe Bissett, Godolphin, the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Centre and Winterbourne Brownies.

Organisers at Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury Business Improvement District said "a huge thank you" to everyone who took part.

"Whether you made lanterns, participated in percussion workshops, stewarded for the event or supported the parade as it made its way from Salisbury Cathedral to the Market Place, thank you for helping us to create a fantastic event for Salisbury – especially on what was a particularly chilly night.

"We hope you thoroughly enjoyed the evening and would love to hear your feedback about the event.

"We are also asking you to submit your photos or videos from the procession to our Facebook page for a chance to win a free family ticket to Story Pocket Theatre’s performance of ‘Arabian Nights’ taking place at Salisbury Arts Centre on Thursday 22 December."

To enter this competition please follow the link below

https://www.facebook.com/SalisburyArts/photos/a.167378426650740.43954.167350993320150/1116617718393468/?type=3&theater