IT WAS all glow in Ross-on-Wye on Saturday as the annual torchlight parade weaved its way through town.

The parade started from the bottom of Brookend Street and made it way through town along Broad Street to the historic Market House where a large crowd was waiting in anticipation, having been entertained by Ross Town Band followed by Christmas carols sung by members of St Mary’s Church.

The magical parade, dubbed the Christmas Carnival, was organised by Ross Lions and featured members of all the town’s uniformed youth groups from Scouts and Guides to Brownies, Cubs and Rainbows.

Bringing up the rear of the parade was Santa, ably assisted by two elves and a cartoon character, riding his sleigh on the back of a truck, illuminated with fairy lights.

The event was staged by the long-standing Christmas Carnival committee supported by Ross Town Council.

Members of the local Scout troupe led the parade, each armed with a flaming torch while the rest of the parade had an incredible array of lanterns and torches which were used by the younger youth groups.

A lot of happy faces were seen relishing being part of the annual torchlight parade while an appreciative audience of all ages lined the streets and the Market Place.

On the parade’s arrival at the Market House the procession was greeted by the town’s mayor, Cllr Linden Delves, who thanked all the participants for taking part and making it such a community event as it is now one of the established features of the town’s annual calendar.

Children under the age of 13 received a present from Santa under the arches of the Market House provided by Welsh Newton Young Farmers.