Hundreds of local people and visitors enjoyed the festivities at Tadcaster’s Christmas Market and Festival.

Scores of stalls lined the streets of Westgate and Kirkgate and children enjoyed all the fun of the fair with rides, face painting and a visit from Santa.

The massed school choir, with more than 100 children from Riverside, Tadcaster East, St Joseph’s and Tadcaster Grammar schools, sang carols by the Christmas tree and there was more festive music from the Tadcaster Grammar School Sax Ensemble and the York Railway Institute Band.

The crib scene in the Boys’ Sunday School of St Mary’s Church was popular as gifts were left for children in Leeds, York and Hull who might not know the joy of receiving a Christmas gift.

The seventh annual Christmas tree festival saw 24 trees of twinkling lights and special decorations, all provided by local businesses, illuminating the inside of the Methodist Church, and the day drew to a close with the annual Christingle Service in St Mary’s Church.

Richard Sweeting, chairman of the Christmas Market, said: “The amount of visitors we had at the weekend has proved what we have to offer in the town and has definitely put Tadcaster on the map. My thanks go to everyone who got involved in this year’s event.”