CROWDS which flocked into Wootton Bassett High Street last Friday evening were treated to a sparkling prelude to the festive season.

The town centre was turned into a traffic-free zone for two hours of fun as part of a Dickensian evening organised by the chamber of commerce.

Many people wore Victorian costume, and mulled wine and mince pies were the order of the night.

There was plenty to set the atmosphere. The museum was open in the 17th century town hall, and coloured lights shone from tall Christmas trees and the branches of the street's historic lime trees.

A children's roundabout, dozens of stalls, the Broad Town Belle fairground organ, Father Christmas, carol singers, lively street entertainment and colourful window displays offered wide appeal.

The children of St Bartholomew's School Choir delighted onlookers by singing cheerfully through a heavy shower early in the evening. Choristers from local churches and choral groups led community carols outside St Bartholomew's Church, where the Mayor Coun Bill Roberts thanked everyone for their support.

URC minister the Rev Alan Cassingham, Church of England Lay Reader Neil Harding, the mayor's chaplain, Christian youth worker David Stephenson and Roman Catholic representative Denise Henderson all took part in the service.

The weather remained clear for most of the evening, enabling some fine displays to go ahead as planned.

Among those performing were the Bicyclettes Street Theatre, Devizes Majorwrecks (sponsored by Keith Crump), Hips and Haws Clog Dancers and Chippenham Town Morris Men.

Fireman Sam was a popular figure, stationed near the fire engine parked at Station Road junction.

Chamber president Philippa Lawrence said: "Everyone has done a lovely job, and rain at the start didn't keep people away. It's all been wonderful."

In Highworth, the honours were performed by Mayor Lynn Vardy, joined by local VIPs and radio presenter Sandy Martin.

Another special guest was Father Christmas.