HUNDREDS of flames lit up Halstead High Street for the ever popular torchlight procession.

Residents gathered at the top of Market Hill to be led down the hill by the Salvation Army band before gathering in Halstead Public Gardens for a carol service, arranged by Halstead Churches Together.

Donations were collected for the mayor’s charities, Mencap and the Acorn Children’s Centre at Wednesday’s event.

Mayor David Hume said: “It was a fantastic turn out from the town.

“It was a wonderful sight looking back on the town with all the torches, equally seeing all the torches in the public gardens was a wonderful sight.”

He added visitors from neighbouring councils also enjoyed the event.