HUNDREDS of people used Friday evening's Medieval Fair in Devizes to buy Christmas presents as the town got its first real taste of a 21st century Christmas.

Devizes Town Council declared the fair a massive success in contrast to last year when wet weather kept the crowds away.

Hordes of children visited The Wharf to welcome Father Christmas who, as usual, arrived aboard a canalboat. He distributed sweets among the waiting youngsters before heading off in a vintage car to the Market Place.

There he turned on the Christmas lights which, this year, came on first time. There were more stalls and more entertainments available than in previous years.

Deputy town clerk Theresa Coles said: "We had arranged things slightly differently this year and it paid off. The Christmas tree was in a different place which allowed room for more fairground rides.

"There were also more stalls in the Shambles, not just charity stalls but market traders as well. We are absolutely delighted it went so well and even the showers of rain didn't seem to put people off."

Street entertainment was once again provided by Ticklish Allsorts their jugglers, stiltwalkers and minstrels seemed to be the only medieval elements on show.

Traders who opened late reported brisk business and all those questioned said it was worth taking part. The evening culminated in a spectacular firework display on The Green.

John Sutton, of Devizes Lions Club, who organised Santa's welcome, said: "Friday night went as well as ever it has. There were lots of children waiting for Father Christmas to arrive and the look on their faces was an absolute treat."

It was a busy weekend for the Lions as, on Saturday morning, the group had its Christmas Fair at the Corn Exchange, Mr Sutton said.

"It was a tremendous success.

"At 9.30am we had queues in the Market Place stretching right past the Bear Hotel and nearly to the NatWest Bank."