HUNDREDS of people thronged Pontypool town centre to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as the annual Christmas Cavalcade arrived.

Santa, in a coach pulled by two white horses, led the parade through the streets on Saturday, setting up his grotto in the indoor market.

There was a funfair on Market Street, entertainment from Pic 'n' Mix, the Alison Lee Academy of Dance and Bright Sparks, and music from Pontypool Brass Band, the New Orleans Marching Band, the New Inn Royals Jazz Band.

Janet Jones, organiser and chairwoman of Pontypool community council, said: "The Mayor of Torfaen, Councillor Doug Davies, has been suffering with this terrible flu but he came down straight out of his sick bed to join in, even though he wasn't well at all.

"It was a lovely, lovely day. There were hundreds of people there, and the firework display at the end was the best I've seen.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and helped out."