THE final events in the Newton Abbot Christmas calendar were staged in the town centre on Wednesday with crowds enjoying street food, entertainment, a visit from Santa and the Mayor’s Carol Service.

Vocal support was provided by the award-winning Rock Choir whose members performed festive numbers both before and after the carols.

A collection among the audience raised almost £80 for the Ricky Grant Unit at Torbay Hospital which specialises in cancer care.

Fans of the evening events took to social media to express their delight.

Clare Crewes said on Facebook: ‘Lovely evening.’

Newton Abbot Carnival Committee, who provided Santa’s sleigh, added: ‘Thank you Newton Abbot Town Council for a lovely evening with a lovely Christmas atmosphere. I heard a lady say, as she was walking by to her friend, “Newton Abbot really has something going on, it’s lovely.”

Newton Abbot Mayor’s Secretary, Carla Winsborrow, said: ‘Thank you to everyone who attended the Mayor’s carol service, it was a wonderful turnout, and thank you to everyone who donated to the collection.’

Speaking after talking with scores of excited children, Santa Claus himself had something to say about his plans for the period following December 25.

‘Well, the elves and I have worked jolly hard making sure everything was ready for Christmas so I think we’ve earned a little break,’ he said.

‘So as we fancy being pampered for a while I’m planning on taking everyone to a ho-ho-ho-hotel!