DIDCOT 'rock 'n' rolled' into Christmas when thousands of people packed the streets for the annual Christmas Street Fair.

The Broadway, Orchard Way and the central square area were ablaze with lights, stalls and funfair rides and entertainment - and it was 'jingle tills' all the way for shops that stayed open until late.

The theme of the night's spectacular was cars, transport, and what organisers Didcot Chamber of Commerce described as "good old rock 'n' roll."

Many shop staff dressed up in 1950s costumes. The town's new Cineworld cinema entered into the spirit by screening the film Grease.

Singer Fiona Harrison led a rock 'n' roll sing-along supported by other entertainers outside Baptist House, in the Broadway, before the grand parade set off around the town centre led by Reading Scottish Pipe Band.

The parade included a wide-ranging mix of organisations, including Guides, Brownies, the Old Specked Hen Morris Dancers, jivers, cheerleaders and Didcot-based charity fundraisers the scantily-clad Thong Rangers - who braved the cold weather.

Bringing a touch of the Christmas fairytale were two of Santa's reindeers Stig and Matti, owned by Angela Radford, from East Hagbourne.

The pair of Swedish reindeers proved a big attraction for children outside the Methodist Hall, where Father Christmas called in to listen to children's wishes.

Events kicked off in the afternoon when BBC Radio Oxford presenter Shabina Akhtar, helped by town mayor Bernard Cooper and chamber of commerce president Angie Major, released 500 balloons outside Baptist House.

Chamber chairman Jeanette Howse said: "It was a memorable night and a great success for the town.

"There was a wonderful atmosphere with people in good humour and high spirits.

"It was good to see so many families enjoying themselves.

"It was our 14th street fair and was the biggest and most successful.

"It was a pre- Christmas tonic for the town's businesses and generated a great community spirit.

"I would like to thank all those people and businesses who helped make it a success - and a big 'thank you' to the public for helping create a wonderful community spirit."