HORDES of festive revellers and shoppers enjoyed a crisp, clear night for this year’s Odiham Extravaganza.

Organisers estimated that 5,000 people poured into the village for its annual after-dark Christmas shopping event in High Street.

Attractions included a flight simulator, fairground rides from the Hook-based Wall family and stalls that sold goods such as jewellery, cider and cooked meat.

There was music from the Hannington Silver Band, bell ringers from Oxfordshire, and a performance by the Hook Eagle Morris Men to provide plenty of traditional atmosphere.

The Kestrel FM team were also in attendance and a best-dressed-window competition was won by Odiham Cottage Hospital and The Frame arts shop.

Hugh Smith, who organised the event on behalf of Odiham Parish Council, said the cold but clear weather on the night was an improvement on last year’s event, which was blighted by rain.

He said: “It was absolutely brilliant. I spoke to a few people who had been on the simulator and they told me it was great. It was cold, bright and dry so it was a perfect evening.”

He thanked personnel from RAF Odiham, who acted as traffic and car park marshals.