Crowds were amazed at the Calne Christmas lights celebration when Santa flew into town on his sleigh pulled by a team of authentic Lapland reindeer.

The ever-popular reindeer returned to the town for the third year in a row to start the celebrations on Saturday.

On their sleigh they pulled Santa and grandfather John Parkinson who was selected to switch on the Christmas lights after he was voted best grandparent in the town.

Mr Parkinson switched on the lights on the big Christmas tree in the centre of town.

The reindeer are from the only herd in Britain and live in their natural environment in the Cairngorm Mountains in the Scottish Highlands.

Each year, teams of reindeer visit towns and cities across Britain, promoting the Reindeer Centre's conservation work and raising funds to keep the centre operational.

During the celebrations the town was buzzing with activities including a dramatic river of light from the lantern parade.

"It was a fantastic success. The atmosphere was amazing," said Mr Mark Wilkins, Calne's community development officer.