HEAVY rain failed to stop thousands of people attending Cleckheaton's Christmas Festival on Saturday.

The event ran from 9am to 7pm, with the high points being Santa Claus switching the lights on and a spectacular fireworks display. Organisers estimate about 3,000 people braved the weather to attend.

Organiser Viv Laycock said: "It was the worst weather we've ever had in the six years I've been doing this.

"Everything still went ahead and it was steadily busy, just not as busy as previous years. There were probably one or two groups that missed the parade but it was still very well attended. The whole day went off without any problems, it was just bad weather.

"It is great because it brings people into the town, a massive thanks to everyone who helped."