ROYSTON truly got into the Christmas spirit on Sunday when the town hosted its annual Christmas carnival. Events took place around the town centre throughout the day, with a host of seasonal goods on offer to shoppers. Royston Town Manager Geraint Burnell

ROYSTON truly got into the Christmas spirit on Sunday when the town hosted its annual Christmas carnival.

Events took place around the town centre throughout the day, with a host of seasonal goods on offer to shoppers.

Royston Town Manager Geraint Burnell said: "Incredibly we managed to hit the worst weather of the month for our set-up yet again.

"But, once again, we persevered and the weather relented sufficiently for us to have a good day in the end. I'm sure the early rain followed by sunshine influenced the fact that large numbers of people were still around for the final hour of the festivities - estimates for total attendance on the day exceed 2,000.

"Certainly if the takings in Santa's Gazebo are any measure, everybody had a good day," he said.

The Christmas farmers market, and gift fair did a roaring trade, with stalls selling cheese, cakes, and chutney's proving particularly popular, while hot pigeon baps - presumably not sourced in the High Street - also went down a treat.

Meanwhile stalls raising money for local charities such as Home-Start and the parish church cHALLenge appeal were set up in Angel Pavement, and a choir from Trinity Life Church performed carols in the High Street, collecting cash for Jimmy's night shelter in Cambridge.

Youngsters queued outside the old toy shop to meet Santa, who had set up his Christmas gazebo in the shop's grounds with help from members of the Royston Round Table, and a charity collection at the gazebo raised �400. A mini funfair erected at the end of Angel Pavement also drew the crowds.