CHRISTMAS came to Manningtree with a spectacular light procession.

The Manningtree Association of Commerce, Culture and Community organised Lighting Up Manningtree For Christmas on Friday night.

At 6pm local youngsters carrying torches were joined by a band and a troupe of majorettes for a stunning light showwhich paraded through the town centre.

Shops also stayed open late and there were about 50 stalls offering Christmas gifts, festive food and charitable items lining the High Street.

Association spokesman Penny Hughes-Stanton said the event had been a great success.

“The streets were absolutely packed, and in the light procession there just seemed to be more and more people coming through,” she said.

“We were a little bit disappointed we could not provide traditional Christmas lights for the town this year, but hopefully that can happen next time.

“Mandy Rose organised the parade and Heidi Jones was in charge of the stalls and credit must go to them because they worked so hard.

“It was very good.”