As the light faded and the Christmas lights shone, Teries young and old lined the pavements from one end of the High Street to the other, to see Santa, the pipe bands, floats and walking groups.

And when Santa appeared in his sleigh and with a wave of his hand illuminated the tree at Trinity Gardens, there was no denying that Christmas had arrived in Hawick.

Kevin Ferguson, a member of the recently formed Hawick Christmas Lights and Parade Group due to the suspension of Hawick Community Council, said: "We were pleased by the way the parade went and the huge amount of effort by the groups. It was a great community effort once again."

The Hawick Pipe Band snowmen pipers and Scout Fellowship Pipe Band Santa pipers were once again a popular highlight, and local groups dressed as Christmas trees, Rudolph, Michael Jackson's Thriller and the town's firefighters were amongst those who brought smiles to faces.

And a street trader selling helium balloons and glow sticks to the youngsters certainly added to the seasonal atmosphere.

Kevin added: "The crowd that turned out was excellent and we hope everyone enjoyed themselves."

The parade concluded at the civic space where Teviotdale Riding Club won the best float, the funniest group was the Red Barrows (Ex Service Club Members), the Youth Café and Shields Dance Group were crowned the best walking group and Trinity School were the best children.

Other groups participating included the Girls Brigade, army cadets, St Margaret's Primary School and Congregational Church.