BATMAN, Andy Pandy, Fred Flintstone and a host of other colourful characters joined the traditional community procession to the top of Frodsham Hill on New Year's Eve.

A group of good-humoured revellers who turned up in fancy dress were among 200 residents who took part in the annual torchlight procession which followed a service at St Laurence's Parish Church, conducted by Fr Michael Mills, to mark the end of 2007.

Bellemonte Road was closed by police as residents, carrying blue and green glow sticks, wound their way from the church to the top of the hill, where they were greeted by a Scottish piper as they passed Forest Hills Hotel.

The popular event, organised by Frodsham Town Council, was rounded off with a £1,000 hilltop fireworks display.

Frodsham Mayor, Cllr John Maddock, said: “It was delightful to see such a wonderful turnout and I thank everyone who worked so hard to organise and marshal the event – they were brilliant.”