VOLUNTEERS got together this week to make the final lanterns ahead of a Christmas lantern parade in Newport today.

The lantern parade takes place in Bettws and is expected to see about 600 people take part.

About 500 lanterns have been made, some of which were created by pupils from Millbrook Primary School, Monnow Primary School and Don Close Nursery School.

The lantern parade will start from Bettws in Bloom on Lambourne Way at 5pm and will make its way, joined by a samba band, to the shopping centre.

The parade will be followed by the annual carol service in the shopping centre at about 5.30pm led by Canon Henry Davies.

Before the parade, a Victorian Christmas market will run at Bettws Day Centre from 2.30pm till 4.30pm.