THE snow and cold failed to dampen spirits as a town celebrated its first Christmas Market.

Thousands of people made the trip to Darwen for the town's first ever Christmas market over the weekend.

Around 20 stallholders pitched up on the old market square selling food, drink, crafts and gifts

Live entertainment was provided in the event's gazebo, which included a brass band and a choir while children got to meet Disney Princesses and Santa in his Grotto.

Sarah Wright, who is one of the organisers of Darwen’s Christmas market, said: “It has been really good and successful.

“It has been a family event that has brought different parts of the community together.”

Stallholder Dave Bentley, who lives in Mellor, ran the Fresh Fruit Choc Characters stall.

Mr Bentley had attended the Darwen food festival in October and returned to the town to sell fabricated characters made out of chocolate, including Rudolph the Pear Reindeer and Barry the Banana Dog.

He said: "I have to give the organisers credit for a well run show.

"When you look at the set up it feels like a Christmas market.

"This is a small show for me but the market is much personal here.

"For a such a small town it really looks the part."

Vicky Evans, who lives in Bolton, ran the North West Funfairs stall, said: "It has been a really good weekend and well organised.

"I would say this is one of the better Christmas markets we have been to.

"We've sold burgers, hot dogs, roast pork and chips to a lot of customers.

"We usually don't attend the big markets but this was one has been great."

Attendees said they enjoyed the festivity because the festive weekend brought the community together.

Danny Matcatett, 36, who lives in Darwen, said: “I think its amazing.

“Since they got rid of the market square it’s opened up a bigger communal area and it has been great ever since.”

Laniey Fowler, 35, who also lives in Darwen, said: “This weekend’s event has been terrific.

“It brings the community in together.”

Tim Horne, 60, who lives in Chorley, said: “The event has been quite different to festive markets I have been to before.

“There’s a real community spirit here which I think is really nice.”