HUNDREDS braved Saturday's appalling weather conditions to watch Romsey's popular winter carnival parade and the Christmas lights switch on.

Despite the cold and the heavy drizzle, community spirit reigned supreme with an eye-catching display of entries in the carnival's torchlight parade and a spectacular show of festive lights that helped brighten up the gloomy evening. Around £500 in donations was collected along the processional route. The cash will be shared out amongst town charities.

A carnival spokesman said he was delighted with Saturday's turnout. "It went very well, far better than expected considering the weather. The carnival committee was impressed by the standard of entries," said a spokesman.

Romsey's mayor Dorothy Baverstock said: " This was yet another excellent occasion for Romsey even in the pouring rain."

Landlady of the Romsey Tavern pub, Sharon Conducts witched on the town's festive lights with a little help from Summer Jones.

Pictures and a full report on page 6 of this week's Advertiser.