FESTIVE cheer filled Fordingbridge's town centre for a special evening of celebrations.

The evening was opened by Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools’ choir followed by the light switch-on by local heroes, Julie Grange and six-year-old Georgia Turnbull.

Christmas in Fordingbridge was organised by Fordingbridge Events Group.

The group's chairman, Nicky Jenkins, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the feedback, which has been immensely positive. It was great to see so many people out enjoying the evening and taking part. We had input from Fordingbridge Players, the Scouts, Rotary, local musicians, schools and businesses throughout the town – it really was a super evening and a great kick-start to the festive season.”

Father Christmas' sleigh, pulled by heavy horse, made its way through the town to his grotto in the Victoria Rooms.

Nicky added: “We used the proceeds from the Fordingbridge Festival to put on a Christmas community event to remember but we couldn’t have done it without the help of our Christmas sponsors, Timothy’s, The Burgate School, PDQ Airspares, Cracknell Timber and Jacksons Solicitors; all of the festival sponsors and the support from the town."