Traditional Christmas images of frosted windows and snow covered Christmas trees gave way to palm trees and coconuts in Rayleigh High Street.

Sunshine beat: the steel band entertains Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL U5KJK

As a continuous drizzle did its best to dampen the spirits of festive shoppers the Silver Start Steel Band from Birmingham was on hand to bring some untraditional seasonal cheer and conjure images of sun-drenched beaches with its Caribbean tunes.

Published Tuesday December 16, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo