THOUSANDS of spectators lined the streets to see Santa Claus lead an annual festive parade through Waltham Abbey.

Storm Troopers rubbed shoulders with Worzel Gummidge as the yearly Cavalcade of Light brought Christmas cheer to the town centre on Friday evening.

Shops opened late for the occasion, with fun fair rides drawing the crowds and both the Abbey and Lea Valley churches throwing their doors open to the public.

Mayor Elizabeth Webster kicked off a busy night by officially opening the town's new tourist information centre in Highbridge Street and presenting prizes to the young winners of the Abbey Church's Christmas card competition.

She then headed to the town hall to flip the switch on the Christmas lights, before joining Father Christmas to lead a procession of floats down Sun Street.

Majorette troupe the Winchester Twirlettes scooped the prize for best parade entry.

"Waltham Abbey was absolutely packed," said Cllr Webster.

"I wouldn't like to hazard a guess how many people were there - it was almost as full as when we had the torch. It would be thousands of people.

Visitors from Waltham Abbey's twin town of Hörstel in Germany flew over specially for the event - and joined the mayor to end the evening in true British style.

"We rounded it off with a fish and chip supper," added Cllr Webster.

"It was a fabulous evening - it really, really was."