THOUSANDS enjoyed a sackful of seasonal fun at Frodsham Christmas Festival.

Frodsham Silver Band accompanied community carol-singing around the Christmas tree in Main Street before and after Friday's switch-on of the town's festive lights, performed this year by Radio City DJ, Glen Hunt, accompanied by Frodsham Mayor, Cllr John Maddock.

Youngsters watched wide-eyed as Santa and his reindeer paraded through the streets, accompanied by schoolchildren, before settling down in his grotto in Castle Park to greet and distribute gifts to more than 1,000 little visitors on Friday and Saturday.

A vintage open-topped bus was another crowd-pleaser as it shuttled between the town centre attractions, including funfair, street entertainers, festive fun in the parish hall, outdoor food market and late-night shopping; and Castle Park, where hosts in Victorian costume offered guided tours around the mansion house and art and craft stalls provided plenty of gift ideas.

Vale Royal Borough Council sponsors the annual festival which began five years ago, and spokeswoman, Andrea Peattie, said she was delighted with the growing popularity of the event.