Last updated at 16:59, Tuesday, 11 December 2012

COMMUNITIES have welcomed the launch of their Christmas celebrations.

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The build-up to Christmas truly got under way for families in Millom and Askam at the weekend.

Children, parents and grandparents wrapped up warm and flocked to the festive celebrations in their communities.

School children and adults took part in a lantern procession through Askam on Sunday which led to the Cenotaph and gardens in Duke Street. Father Christmas switched on the Christmas tree lights with the help of carnival queen, Rebecca Mason, and her lady-in-waiting, Caitlin Rigg.

Sally Hawley, treasurer of Askam Community Events, said: “It was a very successful event and there was a really good turn out.”

Pupils singing Christmas carols got the Millom community in the mood for the festive season.

Families turned out to enjoy the yuletide offerings of Millom Christmas Festival, which took place in Market Square on Saturday.

More than 30 local traders were involved with the Christmas celebration, organised through South Copeland Tourism.

Joan Hobbs, a South Copeland Tourism board member and a Millom town councillor, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day. It went really, really well. All the stallholders and visitors seem to be happy.

“We must have had 1,500 to 2,000 people.”

Entertainment included performances by Holborn Hill Royal Brass Band adult and junior sections, and students from Millom School and Thwaites Primary School.

Wayside guest accommodation and Whisky Barn, of Whitbeck, had a whisky and specialist wines stall. Owner Steven Johns said: “It’s a good Christmas event for the community and we’ll be back next year.”

First published at 16:12, Monday, 10 December 2012
Published by http://www.askamlocal.co.uk