SANTA Claus and his reindeer took a break from preparing for Christmas to swing in to Evesham for its festive parade.

The cold and rain last night were not enough to dampen the spirits of the people gathered to see the parade, organised by Evesham Town Council and the Riverside Shopping Centre.

The event began with music followed by a performance by the Celebration Reed and Brass Band.

Evesham's mayor and mayoress Councillor Patrick Clifford and Councillor Jean Lowe switched on the Christmas lights at 6.15pm.

This was followed by a parade in which Santa was pulled through town by reindeer, provided by the Riverside Centre.

Jordan and Grace Nailor, aged five and three, were given the chance to ride along with the jolly man in red.

"There were lots of smiles on all the children's faces so I think that is a measure of the parade's success," said Ann Metzger, deputy town clerk.

After running for the past three years, the parade has become an annual event in the town's festive calendar.