Families flocked to Burnham town centre to mark beginning of the Christmas season.

The second annual Burnham festive fair saw hundreds of residents come to the High Street to listen to Christmas carols and look over a range of stalls.

This year the event, organised by the Burnham carnival committee, was sponsored by the East of England Co Op and David Wilson Homes.

Carnival committee member Caroline Sarychkin said: “We were very lucky with the weather – a few spots of rain fell but the forecast high winds didn’t appear. The crowds did, and the High Street was full of happy faces all afternoon. It was a great success.”

Mayor Wendy Stamp pulled out all the stops, coming dressed as the Ice Queen and meeting passengers off the Santa Express as they arrived at Burnham train station.

More than 50 children and their families travelled on the train to the fair.

There was also a range of performances throughout the day from Hearts in Harmony, the Ormiston Rivers Academy Choir, as well as Rayleigh Brass and the Maldon Bellringers.

The carnival committee presented cheques to good causes in the community and Santa Claus even made an appearance later in the day.

All profits will go to charity.