Hundreds of people congregated on the streets of Halstead for the annual torchlight procession.

The Christmas event saw crowds, led by the Salvation Army Band, walk from the top of High Street down to the public gardens where a carol service was then held.

Both adults and children helped to light up the night sky with flaming torches and glow sticks handed out by Halstead Town Council.

A blessing of the crib around the Christmas Tree along Market Hill was held before the procession moved down to Bridge Street, onto Trinity Street before arriving at the public gardens.

Once there, town mayor Shirley Diver thanked the efforts of the Salvation Army Band before a reading by the St Andrews Church reverend, Katie de Bourcier, was read aloud.

The carol service, put together by Churches Together then took place as the crowds joined in and sung some Christmas classics.

Mrs Diver said: “I thought it was a tremendous evening.

“There appeared to be more people attending this year, it looked like there was close to a thousand.

“It all worked really well and the Town Council would like to thank the police for attending as well.

“It’s such a unique thing the torchlight procession. You always have that worry something will go wrong but it never does.

“It’s an important event for Halstead, there is nothing like this nearby and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time.”