CHRISTMAS got under way in Haslemere on Sunday when the town centre was packed to overflowing with stalls and festive entertainments.

Father Christmas held court in Haslemere Museum and junior visitors could also enjoy getting close to the animals making a special appearance in the Live Nativity.

More than 200 stallholders took the opportunity to sell their wares or to raise their profiles in the High Street and West Street, and the action continued in The Georgian Hotel.

Haslemere Events co-organiser Melanie Odell said: “The Hoppa service reported brisk business from the outlying car parks and extra buses ensured that there were more seats available.”

Fellow organiser Ian Lynch added: “None of this would be possible without the continued enthusiastic help of our team of volunteers.

“May we take this opportunity to thank all who supported and helped to make the day such a success and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2018.”