Romsey residents young and old gathered to watch the town's annual winter carnival and switching on of the Christmas lights this weekend.

The procession gathered in Malmesbury Road at 5pm before winding its way through the town once the lights were switch on after 6pm.

About 15 entries took part in the event, which has been running for about 25 years. Among the groups taking part were the Romsey Old Cadets and the Romsey and Titchfield Carnival Queens.

Chairman and acting treasurer of the carnival's committee, Pete Lomer, said the event had been a success.

He added: "We had a very good turnout, even though the weather wasn't particularly good."

Saturday's carnival coincided with the switching on of the Christmas lights in the town, which preceded the carnival.

The lights were switched on by Romsey disabled youngster Oliver Marshall, who was chosen from the children who attend the town's Opportunities Group for disabled children.

The three-year-old was joined by the president of Romsey's Chamber of Commerce, which organised the event, Greg Davies.

Romsey mayor Mike Richardson was also at the event, along with Test Valley Borough Council mayor Tony Gentle and Romsey vicar Canon Neil Crawford-Jones and each guest said a few words before the lights were switched on by young Oliver.

Mr Davies said: "They all got up onto a little platform and said a few words. It all went very well."