LAUNCESTON residents crowded the Town Centre on Friday, December 7, for the late night shopping event.

Streets were lined with people waiting to see the parade that would bring Santa Claus to town. The drummers could be heard in the centre as they marched up Madford Lane and turned into Westgate Street on their way to Santa's Grotto in the Market House Arcade.

Children gripped their light-up swords — bought from street vendors — tighter as the first dancer could be seen and waved enthusiastically at Santa Claus as he was driven by in a customer 1960s Ford pick-up, done by Rich Enriquez.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.