CROWDS packed the streets of Eastleigh as the town launched its Christmas countdown.

Families braved the freezing temperatures to line the streets of the town last night to watch the annual festive parade through the streets ahead of the lights switch on.

Mayor Jane Welsh did the honours alongside Father Christmas at the bandstand on the Leigh Road Recreation Ground as the crowd counted down from 10.

A spectacular fireworks display followed, capped off with a firework fired out of a lit up champagne bottle.

The parade saw the streets in the town centre closed off as crowds five deep in places gathered along the route.

Led out by fire entertainer Abi Wightman, the parade included motorbikes, men on stilts, baton twirling Santas, a Christmas story entry from Eastleigh Baptist Church and Cycles 4 All, a service providing bikes for the disabled or elderly run from Pavilion on the Park.

Eastleigh British Sub Aqua Club brought along a lifeboat while Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band provided stirring bagpipe music.

Particularly popular with children in the crowd was the Thunderbirds inspired entry from the 12th Eastleigh and 1st Bishopstoke Scouts, where youngsters dressed in full Thunderbirds uniforms followed a large Thunderbird 3.

Children in the crowds were given sweets, glow sticks and even presents by parade goers.

Earlier in the day visitors could enjoy a range of crafts and activities at venues around Eastleigh, meet Santa at Eastleigh Museum and browse a range of market stalls.

At the town's Swan Shopping Centre children could dress up like elves and get an early gift from Father Christmas.

Samantha Janes, 30, of Eastleigh, was watching the parade with husband Jonathan, 44, and daughter Ivy, 2.

She said: "We've just moved to Eastleigh recently so we wanted to see what it was all about.

"There's a nice community feel.

"This definitely gets us in the mood for Christmas."

Mayor of Eastleigh Jane Welsh said: "It's just a wonderful day. The atmosphere is wonderful.

"It's thanks to the volunteers - without the volunteers we wouldn't have Eastleigh Christmas lights."