CROWDS thronged Wootton Bassett for the town's annual Dickensian-style Christmas celebration.

Carollers and musicians were joined by a stiltwalker, a fire eater, a juggler and other performers.

Various local traders and charities set up stalls beneath the Christmas lights which were arranged throughout the town centre, vying for space with fairground rides and sideshows.

Among the decorations were two large Christmas trees, provided by local firm Cathy Moore Recruitment and flanking the Town Hall.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Percy and Sally Miles, entered into the spirit of the event by dressing in Victorian costume.

Mr Miles said: "The town's really buzzing it's brilliant!"

The celebrations on Friday evening also included a community carol service in Borough Fields Square.

Rev Jill Thornton, newly-appointed minister of the United Reformed Church, reminded her listeners of the message of love at the heart of the festive season.

The Youth Council organised a grotto at the Library, where children queued to visit Father Christmas.

Librarian Chris Moore and his colleagues provided free Christmas craft activities for youngsters.

Wootton Bassett & District Art Society exhibited more then 100 paintings, many of them for sale.

Celebrations were not limited to the traffic-free zone, and crowds spilled into the west end of the High Street, to enjoy more attractions.

Outside the floodlit parish church, Father Christmas introduced performances by groups ranging from handbell ringers and the junior choir of St Bartholomew's School.