HUNDREDS of locals turned out in Romsey for the annual Lantern Parade.

More than 350 lanterns lit up the streets of the market town in the parade that marked the start of the late night shopping event.

The lanterns have been made over the past few months at school and community workshops and included several seasonal designs, some of them unique to their creators like Mountbatten and Wellow schools, Mottisfont Arts and Crafts Groups and Allsorts Youth Group.

At around 5.30pm, the parade left the Abbey and travelled around the town before the parade came to an end with a band and choir singing festive carols.

It was be led by dignitaries including Romsey Town Mayor John Parker.

The lanterns gathered in the Market Place to watch Santa's dramatic rescue by firefighters from the first floor of the Town Hall.

Following this, the late night shopping event was also attended by scores of residents who wanted to finish, or even start, their Christmas shopping.

Shops stayed open until 8pm, with many serving mulled wine and minced pies.

Funfair rides also lined the street for the annual event.