WATCHET Carnival Club supporters braved the icy streets of the town for their annual Christmas Eve tour with Santa.

It took more than six hours for the festive party to wind its way around Watchet, largely due to the treacherous conditions underfoot.

And despite the Arctic blast, residents turned out in droves as Santa and his helpers handed out sweets to youngsters and collected money in aid of local children's groups and organisations.

Santa was helped by Watchet carnival queen Lauren Sherrin (above) and an array of elves and other popular characters.

It was the first year Santa's sleigh had been pulled by model reindeer - who were aptly names Blaze and Twinkle by Knights Templar First School pupils Harriet Criddle and Jacob Howells.

Carnival committee member Bob Hornby said some £450 had been collected on the night and he thanked everyone who had braved the cold weather to support the annual event.

Businesses and householders also got into the spirit by taking part in the club's Christmas lights competition.

The award for the best lights in a street went to the residents of Grove Close, the best individual lights were judged to be those of Keith and Val Norman, while Helikers won the best shop lights.

* Photographs taken during Santa's tour of the town by Paul Gibbard will be available online to buy in aid of carnival committee funds either from the club's own website at watchetcarnival.org.uk or from gibbardphotography.co.uk.