THE weather may have been wet and wintery but the atmosphere was anything but frosty when Williton enjoyed some festive fun last Thursday.

The annual Christmas late night shopping extravaganza, now in its third year, gave villagers, traders and community leaders the chance to get into the spirit of the season.

The event, a joint initiative between Williton parish Council and Williton Twinning Association, included a Santa parade from Danesfield Middle School.

Local firefighters led the procession in one of the village station's engines, followed by Santa and the Snow King and Queen from St Peter's First School.

Rainbows, cubs, beavers and others also helped swell the ranks of the parade, which wound its way through the centre of Williton to Santa's grotto, set up for the first time in the parish council's new offices in Killick Way.

Craft stalls in West Somerset Council's chamber and carol singing by youngsters from St Peter's ensured the village had a true festive feel, while local businesses kept their doors open and offered festive drinks and nibbles to customers.

Graham Bigwood, spokesman for the organisers, said he wanted to thank the district and parish councils for their support, and Barry and Jan Pope and Ali and Nick Gould, who organised the Santa sleigh.

"It was third time unlucky with the weather but everything went well and everyone was in high spirits," he said.

Photo: Steve Guscott