LONDON'S Notting Hill Carnival will be adding a spectacular Caribbean-style sparkle to the opening of Eastleigh's Christmas celebrations.

Forty members of the Flamboyan Community Association, now a regular star attraction at the capital's famous street carnival, will be providing a grand fanfare for when Santa comes to Eastleigh.

The genial gentleman will pull into the town on Saturday, November 23 in a sleigh drawn by huskies to take residence in his grotto at the Swan Centre.

Santa's parade starts at 3.15pm, arriving at the Swan Shopping Centre at about 4.30pm.

Shoppers will then be treated to stunning Notting Hill Carnival- style musical and dance displays by the members of the Flamboyan Community Association who will be wearing brightly coloured flamboyant costumes.

The association, a registered charity established in 1995, wants to give two local ten-year-olds - a boy and girl - the opportunity of sampling their unique brand of entertainment by joining them in the parade.

The Swan Shopping Centre is planning to run a competition, inviting youngsters who wish to take part to send in their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

The two lucky winners will have their own costumes made for them by the Notting Hill Carnival group.

The organisation provides training in a range of artistic, cultural and educational activities both in the UK and abroad. It seeks to provide understanding of carnival arts and traditions of the Caribbean.