WINCHESTER was transformed into a winter wonderland on Friday as children paraded their home-made lanterns through the cathedral grounds.

About 2,000 parents and their tots turned out for the lantern parade to celebrate the official opening of this year’s Christmas Market, seeing all manner of Christmas puddings and even a traditional Chinese dragon walked throughout The Close.

The glow of the impressive lamps could be seen from far around, marked by the band Funk Lab, who kicked off the opening of the Christmas Market, shortly followed by a singalong with the Marwell Choir.

Japanese drummers led the lantern parade before welcoming the dean and the blessing of the Christmas tree.

Prizes were handed out by the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, before a short fireworks display which glimmered all kinds of reds and greens across the ancient cathedral walls.

Canon Roly Riem, vice-dean said: “They are all lovely and this year we are looking at them in a different place. What I like this year is there is a story about them and it shows the creativity that is so important. I just like the fact people have the chance to show them off and take part in some special Christmas celebrations.”

Twins Earl and Mabel Hickey, six, from Mislingford Road in Swanmore, made Chinese lanterns. Their mum Colette Sullivan, 44, said: “It was just to give them the chance to make their Christmas wishes.”

Earl asked Santa for a Meccano set and Mabel asked for The Faraway Tree book.

Thomas Snowdon and Jonny Bradshaw, both nine, of Twyford Saint Mary's Primary School made minions from the popular children’s film Despicable Me.

Thomas, of Queen St, said: “We saw them done last year and I just really like it. I just like walking through all of it.”

Jonny, who lives near Twyford Church, said: “We really like the bird. It looks really complicated and it's really colourful. I like seeing what other people have done this year.”

Georgina Parker, 37, was inspired by a dragonfly. The mum-of-three to Archie, Winnie and Marigold, said: “We had one land in our garden at the water meadows in St Cross. We hadn't planned it then but it seemed fitting because of the landscape.”