Excited children looked on as Santa and his reindeers led the parade from The Midland Railway Hotel car park at 5pm, making its way along Melton Road and into the town.

BBC Radio Leicester presenters Rupal Rajani and Chris Baxter turned up in a limo along with Syston Town Council chairman Ken Pacey, his wife, Maureen, and the popular Billy Bear who went on to flick the switch and entertain the crowds.

Young children had a great time on various rides at the Billy Bates fun fair and were able to meet Santa's reindeers in Park Square.

Families also took the chance to do some Christmas shopping as they made their way around. The air cadets handed sweets out to the children, the Syston Silver Band took to the stage and played carols to the crowds and there was plenty more entertainment throughout the evening.

The BBC Radio Leicester roadshow got a great reception from the people of Syston who also gave generously in aid of Rainbows and the County Air Ambulance.

Much hard work was put in by a Christmas panel, made up of councillors and other key individuals, to put on the successful event along with the chamber of trade.

Panel chairman and Syston town councillor Rita Gray said: "The town was packed. It was absolutely fantastic and everyone enjoyed it. It was nice just seeing all the children's happy faces.

"All the shops had plenty of trade as well and we had people from all around the area who came along. Hopefully it will be an even bigger and better event next year. I'd like to extend it further up the road."

Thanks go to all Christmas panel members, the chamber of trade, Syston town manager Ian Macdonald and others who helped organise this year's event.




FUN FAIR: Ten-year-olds Rebecca Bent (left) and Chloe Coltman enjoy the ride PHOTO L278-1/2




COLLECTION: Round table members Annette Pattison and Nigel Cooper collecting for the County Air Ambulance PHOTO No caption




SWINGING TIME: Youngsters on the swingboat roundabout PHOTO L278-4




FAMILY FUN: People enjoy the sights and sounds in Syston PHOTO L278-5




FESTIVE FUN: George (7) and Emily (10) Rowlands PHOTO L278-6




CAROL TIME: The Syston Silver Band perform for the crowds PHOTO L278-7




HO-HO-HO: Santa arrives on his sleigh PHOTO L278-8




CHRISTMAS CAROLS: The Syston Silver Band play to the crowds PHOTO L278-9