MALMESBURY was illuminated by more than 100 lanterns on Saturday as children and adults shared a magical German tradition.

A popular festival in the Rhineland and Bavaria in Germany, the St Martin's Festival, was started by Esther Hamill 11 years ago.

Mrs Hamill, 34, who is originally from Heidelberg, started the tradition in Malmesbury so her children Hannah, 12, Jonas, ten, and Dillon, six, could enjoy the event she had loved as a child.

Mrs Hamill said this year's procession, which started at the Market Cross and went through Abbey House Gardens before finishing in the town hall, was the best ever attended.

She said: "When we started the walk I thought there had been an average turnout but when I turned round between the Abbey and Old Bell people were still coming from the Market Cross. It looked beautiful."

Children had been to a workshop that afternoon to design colourful lanterns made from card and paper and lit by battery powered lights.

Mrs Hamill, of Park Road, said: "We went into the gardens and sang some German songs I had translated and some English songs as well. It was a magical evening."

The event was rounded off with a small play performed by children, depicting the story of St Martin.

Local storyteller Sue Chad then read some bedtime stories.

St Martin, a Roman Legionary in the fifth century, became a beacon of light for the poor when he cut his cloak and loaf of bread to share with a beggar.

St Martin's day is celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th month in Germany.