RESIDENTS in Fordingbridge have been getting into the festive spirit and welcomed the arrival of the town's Christmas trees by special delivery.

The trees were delivered by David Shering on a carriage pulled by his rare breed Comtois heavy horses, Belle and Bresil.

Six trees were delivered, including the large Christmas tree in the market square and smaller ones at the United Reformed Church, the Victoria Rooms and Avonway Community Centre.

This is the first year Mr Shering has delivered the Christmas trees using his horses and it is a tradition he hopes to continue next year.

He said: "It went really well. A good crowd turned out."

On Friday, December 1, residents can enjoy the Christmas lights switch-on and late night shopping.

There will be a best dressed window competition for shops and entry forms will be available from the town hall on the night for a spot the Disney character trail with prizes for children.

There will be Christmas carols around the tree with Hyde Band at 5.45pm followed by the Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm.

From 6.30pm, there will be Santa’s grotto, a children’s entertainer and craft stalls in the town hall.

After the lights are switched on shops, pubs, Avonway, Fordingbridge Museum, Information Office, Salvation Army Hall and United Reformed Church (URC) will be open for Christmas bargains, demonstrations, tastings and festive activities.

Avonway Community Centre will be open with local bands performing and a teenage market.

The URC will have a Christmas craft market and the museum shop will have stocking fillers for sale and a lucky dip.

The windows of shops will be brightened up with beautiful decorations produced by children from local schools.

There will be an earlier Christmas event which takes place at the town hall from 2pm to 4pm.