BRIGHT sunshine meant a good turn-out when Barnards Green traders held their annual Christmas extravaganza.

Santa Claus visited, arriving in a vintage limousine, and toured the green before settling into his grotto at TP Travel. where children visited him and were given small presents

The event, on Saturday, December 6, was a great success, said Jane Knowles, of the Barnards Green Traders Association.

"We had a wonderful turn-out of local people and families who loved the free entertainment provided," she said.

"The magic and puppet show was an absolute hit, and the bouncy castle and Rocking Rodeo Reindeer Ride attracted many brave people to have a go. Santa arrived in style and was accompanied by two very happy elves, and everyone had a good time."

Among the entertainments were a window competition, in which young contestants had to study shop windows in the Green for clues, and them come out with the winning phrase. The competition was won by Ethan Coombes, aged nine, of Madresfield Primary School.

Over £700 was raised on the day for the traders' chosen charity, Community Action, which helps older local people feel less isolated.

Fundraising is continuing with various traders running in-house competitions, and they hope to announce the full amount raised then.

"The Christmas Extravaganza is just a way for the traders of Barnards Green to put something back into the community and to say thank-you to all our customers for supporting us over the last year.

"The fact that this year the extravaganza fell on Small Business Saturday also gave the shopkeepers the chance to showcase what the Green has to offer."