Hundreds of local residents turned out to support the Christmas Fayre and light switch-on in Ross-on-Wye, despite the terrible weather on Sunday.

Many other local towns had to cancel their festive markets but the organisers behind the Ross event, members of the Ross Town Council Events Committee, Councillor Hannah Lerego, Councillor Craig Morgan and Councillor Caroline Bennett were determined to carry on.

Cllr Lerego told the Ross Gazette:“We are so grateful so many people came despite the rain. Comet and Blitzen, the reindeers, which children could pet, were a massive hit as were the Beefy Boys with their home made burgers, and Ben Abbott kept everyone informed about what was happening."

Along with the stalls, St Mary’s Church Choir, the Town Band and story book characters, thanks to the members of Xentricity, meant there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. Children visited Father Christmas in his cosy grotto at the Royal Hotel and could have their faces painted while they waited.

The decorations were purchased using a donation from Costa, the coffee shop in Broad Street, have been presented to SHYPP. Any proceeds from the event will be donated to St Michael’s Hospice and they raised £54 for Rocky-Lees Little Feet charity.

The organisers are very grateful to everyone who volunteered to steward and worked hard in the cold and damp, fuelled by hot drinks from Truffles.

The Mayor of Ross, Councillor Colin Gray invited lots of Mayors from local towns to be present when Father Christmas switched on the lights on the Market house and the Christmas Tree. They then accompanied him to see all the decorated Christmas trees in St Mary’s Church.