The Polar Express rolled into Ellesmere, adding a magical touch to the town's Winter Festival celebrations.

Hundreds of residents turned out to watch as Father Christmas toured the town's main streets aboard a large replica of the iconic locomotive - complete with carriages - as part of a spectacular lantern procession on Friday (November 28).

Dozens of children and parents joined the parade after welcoming Santa's arrival at the town's canal wharf aboard an illuminated narrow boat. He then set off to hand out presents at a Christmas grotto in the market hall.

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Many youngsters taking part had created lanterns in workshops organise

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