FATHER Christmas and his friends will be accompanied through Ross-on-Wye for the annual Carnival Lantern Parade by the young people of the town next week.

From 4pm on December 20, Ross Town Band will be playing at the Market Hall and will be joined by a choir from St Mary’s Church prior to the parade arriving from Brookend Street.

This unique Christmas occasion has taken place in Ross for over 60 years, which this year has been helped financially by a collection day at Morrisons withsupport from Ross Town Council and Ross Lions.

Pat and Tammy of Fleetcare have been preparing Santa’s truck for this year’s parade.

A free goody bag will be given to all young people taking part in the parade by the Welsh Newton Young Farmers.