A RECORD number of people packed the streets and shops for the annual Dulverton by Starlight extravaganza on Sunday.

Despite the rainy weather, the town buzzed with activity from lunchtime right through until a grand fireworks display rounded off the evening.

Locals were joined by visitors from a wide area to soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the town's wide range of shops, pubs, restaurants, cafés and tearooms.

There was also an extensive programme of both indoor and outdoor events and attractions, all set against the backdrop of more than 50 starlight-themed Christmas trees.

Nick Clatworthy, of the organising committee, said everyone was delighted with the support shown for the event.

"We put a special emphasis this year on ensuring activity and entertainment took place throughout the town, as well as creating a large variety of different types of entertainment and activities to, hopefully, suit all tastes.

"This ranged from fire-eaters to folk singers to morris dancers and bellringers, as well as Father Christmas, model railways and horse and dray rides, bands and carol singing.

"All were hugely popular, not least the exhibition of nativity scenes in the town hall which attracted a record 1,300 plus visitors," Mr Clatworthy said.

Photos: Steve Guscott