THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Waltham Abbey to show their Christmas spirit at the town's spectacular Cavalcade of Light parade.

A procession of floats, clowns, a fire-eater and even Santa Claus danced their way through Church Street, Market Square and Sun Street before mayor Ricki Gadsby switched on the town's festive lights.

Floats from Waltham Abbey swimming pool, scouts groups, Upshire Primary School, Waltham Abbey Football Club, the Residents' Association and more all kept the crowds amused, while many marched in fancy dress.

Organiser Ken Coates said he was delighted at how the evening had gone.

He said: “It was one of the best yet.

“We are all very pleased it didn't rain. The year before last it tipped down terribly, and last year there was quite a bit of rain just before - but this time the skies were clear and it all went fine. I think it meant far more people came than last time.”

Parish councillor Stuart Pryde, who got a good view of the parade from the Firehouse Playcentre float, said: “It was fantastic.

“You can always judge it by how big the crowd in Sun Street is – this year it was two or three deep.

“It was nice looking at the faces of the children and their parents light up.

“A lot of credit must go to the parish council staff who spent weeks preparing for it – they all worked very hard.”