See the action from Gloucester's lights switch on

Families lined the streets today for a beautiful start to Christmas in Gloucester.

Crowds many deep lined Eastgate Street, where the nautically themed seasonal parade started to weave its way down to the cathedral.

There were gleaming gallions, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and many octopuses, fitting in with the theme of I Saw Three Ships.

Children and their teachers from city schools had made the lanterns and carried them proudly before their family and friends.

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Rob Williams, from Churchdown, was there because his son Joseph, 10, was in the parade. With his wife Jane he watched as the procession passed and the Gloucester Christmas lights were switched on.

Dursley resident Heather Smith chanced upon the fun while she waited for a lift. She said: "It was lovely, so unexpected. It is super, fantastic."

Jemma Daniels from Tredworth braved the chilly air because little girl Taylor Barker, six, had wanted to go along.

"It is my first lantern celebration," said Taylor, who attends Hatherley Primary School.

For more photographs see tomorrow's Citizen.