HUNDREDS of Canvey islanders took to the streets holding lanterns to enjoy a parade to the Christmas market.

More than 1,000 people turned out to follow Father Christmas in his sleigh from the library and along the High Street, finishing at the Paddocks community centre in Long Road on Saturday afternoon.

Stibbards and Sons funeral directors supplied a horse and carriage for the parade, which transported children dressed as princesses.

The event, in its third year, is organised by the Canvey Carnival Association, who wanted to give something for islanders to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas.

Joan Liddiard, secretary of the association, described the display of lanterns as “breathtaking”.

She said: “It was an amazing sight.

“It’s breathtaking to see the number of people coming out to take part.

“This is the third year we have put on the parade and it went brilliantly, we are absolutely delighted.

“The carnival committee has worked extremely hard.

“A lot of people said that they preferred this to a traditional Christmas market.

“It is a great way of getting an awful lot of people to one venue and gets everybody in the Christmas spirit.”