HUNDREDS of people turned out to see Santa arrive in Ulverston tonight and bring Christmas cheer to the market town.

Father Christmas swapped his reindeer for an Ainsworth's pickup truck to make a grand arrival at Booths supermarket at Oubas Hill.

The store was getting the yuletide festivities under way on the eve of Ulverston's big Dickensian Festival weekend.

Santa was joined by Mrs Claus and there was also entertainment from Frozen-inspired characters and the beautiful voices of the Croftlands Junior School Choir performing Christmas carols.

The children also enjoyed a bouncy castle and some artificial snow.

Booths staff dressed up in Dickensian costumes and Christmas outfits for the occasion.

The store was overwhelmed by the big turnout to the event of some 400 people. Booths apologised that goody bags had run out because of the greater than expected numbers, but the store said it made sure all the children got some gifts of chocolates or sweets, even if they weren't in a goody bag.

There was also tasting of Christmas food and drink inside the store, including sparkling cordial for the children.

Katrina Lawson, a specialist manager at Booths in Ulverston said the Santa event has returned to the store this year with a bang.

Miss Lawson said: "We wanted to bring this event back for the community, and the community came out in force."

Your guide to Ulverston's Dickensian Festival 2016