Hundreds brave the weather to see Santa's sleigh light up Market Drayton canal

With hundreds of floating lanterns, illuminated boats and carol singing, special guest Santa Claus travelled along the canal to the event, which was held at Talbot Wharf, in Newcastle Road, Market Drayton.

The Carols by the Canal event featured family games, activities and carol singing under the huge Christmas Tree.

Lisa Machin, from Talbot Wharf, said the event was a success despite strong winds.

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"In spite of the terrible wind, it went reasonably well. We didn't have as many as the year before but we still had a good turnout and the event was well supported.

"When you hear everyone is cancelling events you worry, but thankfully it didn't seem to put too many people off.

"We moved the event to a different part of the boatyard which was well sheltered.

"Santa managed to make it through the wind on his boat. We also had a few different games this year.

"We will run it again next year when it will be bigger and better."

Hot food, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies were also on offer at the event on Saturday.

This year's event was supported around the town by the Talbot Wharf, Buttercross Farm Foods, Fordhall Farm, Shepley's Butchers, and Tern Fisheries.

All proceeds from the event will go to The Birks Field Centre, in the Lake District, a field studies centre owned and managed by Friends of Grove School and regularly used by pupils at the school.