AROUND 100 people came together tonight for a Christmas lantern service.

A community lantern parade and carol service was held in Bettws which saw students from Monnow School, Millbrook School, Newport High School, Crindau School and Malpas Park School bring their lanterns to the grounds of Bettws in Bloom.

Participants paraded through the streets of Newport led by the Samba Band of Newport and marshalled by Bettws Police.

A grotto with Father Christmas was also situated in the Newport City Homes Office in the shopping centre from 5.15pm onwards.

A carol service kicked off at 6pm led by the Bettws Entertainment Group Choir and Canon Henry Davies.

Organised by Communities First, North Cluster, Newport City Homes, St David’s Church, local Schools and Bettws in Bloom, the community festival was a great success which saw the Mayor of Newport turn out to join in the festivities.

Newport Mayor Matthew Evans said: "People have come out in force despite the weather.

"It is nice to see so many people still enjoying the parade."

Communities First cluster manager Julie Heywood, 30, said: "I'm pleased with the turnout.

"It's impressive people have come out and braved the weather to celebrate this event."