IT was a case of combining the carnival and Christmas in a Hampshire town.

Hundreds of people braved the cold weather to gather in Romsey for the switch-on of the Christmas lights and to also enjoy the Romsey Carnival.

Doing the honours to switch on the lights was town mayor John Parker, but that was not before people watched the annual procession make its way through the town.

It gathered at Crosfield Hall car park and made its way through Broadwater Road, Palmerston Road, The Hundred, Market Place and Bell Street before heading back to the hall.

Shoppers enjoyed entertainment and fairgrounds ride in the town and many shops stayed open until late.

Children also got involved and took part in a lantern procession.