A CAVALCADE paraded through Pontypool town centre on Saturday as part of its annual Christmas celebratory event.

Hundreds descended on a sun-drenched but cold Pontypool to witness the parade, which ended with the Christmas lights being turned on.

A parade was not held last year due to the weather conditions, and so, in-keeping with tradition, winners of the last two colouring competitions for children under 11 accompanied Santa in his sleigh along the town’s streets.

Nine-year-olds Sophie James from New Inn and Tyana Davies from Abersychan sat beside Santa as the cavalcade set off outside the Civic Centre before turning left into Commercial Street, and eventually on to George Street for the carol service and switching on of the Christmas lights, outside the New Look store.

Special guests The Penguin Family provided most of the afternoon entertainment with their colourful puppetry, while a fancy dress and colouring competition also took place on the day.

The chairman of Pontypool Community Council, Giles Davies, turned on the Christmas lights late in the afternoon to the delight of those in attendance, including Mayor Neil Mason.

Due to the refurbishment of Pontypool Indoor Market, Santa’s grotto was held at St James’ Church Hall on Hanbury Road, with free face-painting and balloon modelling.

Ruth Tucker, clerk to organisers Pontypool Community Council, said the event was a way of showing that the town centre is open for business.

She said: “A lot of work has been done to the indoor market, but it’s very important to show everybody in Pontypool that the town is still open."

“The weather was awful last year so it’s good to be able to have the parade back again.”

Cwmbran schoolboy Sean Mattock, 11, attended the event with his family and said: “We come here every year but this is the best one yet!”

Other entertainers on the day included popular children’s characters Leanne’s Mascots, comedy magician Carl John, St Cadoc’s Millennium Bell Ringers, the Alison Lee Academy School of Dance, Dance Stars Academy, Pontypool Brass, Welsh Owl and Wildlife Sanctuary, Camelia Parade Band, Salvation Army Band, West Monmouth School Choir and Torfaen Youth Service.