THE countdown to Christmas started in Colchester, as crowds gathered for the arrival of Father Christmas in a horse-drawn carriage.

He and his elf, Jet, were cheered by about 500 onlookers in the High Street before they tore wrapping paper off the window of department store Williams & Griffin, to unveil this year’s festive display.

They were also helped by seven-year-old Lottie Branch, who won a seat on the carriage and a pair of tickets to see Cinderella, at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre, where she will meet the stars of the pantomime. An animated feast for the eyes was unveiled, including polar bears, penguins and a red letter box, as well as Father Christmas in his log cabin, and some of his reindeer.

Fake snow showered the shop front and street, which will also be a daily occurence, until Christmas Eve, at intervals between 11am and 3pm.

Sally Thomas, the store’s marketing manager, said she was delighted the crowd had been just as big as in previous years.

She added: “We got a really good reaction. Even though it was pouring with rain first thing, everyone came out for it. I’m really happy with the turnout.”

The festive window display has been at the store each year for more than a decade, and Father Christmas, who will remain in his grotto at weekends until Wednesday, December 23, has been there since the Eighties. PICTURE SPECIAL IN MONDAY'S GAZETTE