THEY came in their droves to one of the biggest Christmas markets Petersfield has ever seen.

Thousands turned out on the busy Christmas shopping day to enjoy hundreds of stalls around the town centre and the regular farmers' market in The Square.

Despite an early rain shower, it was fun and sunshine all the way as people came from miles around to lap up the festive atmosphere.

"The Petersfield Christmas Festival market was a huge success. It was the biggest Christmas market we have ever organised and it was fantastic to see so many members of the public come down to support it," said a delighted Steve Jacob, joint organiser of the event with Ben Errey.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.