THE aptly-named Bridport Christmas Cheer last night kick-started the festive season with a wonderful atmosphere of fun and goodwill.

And having live reindeer Cupid and Comet arrive in Bucky Doo with the Snow Queen, followed shortly after by Santa Claus on his sleigh, just completed the festive feel.

See our Bridport Christmas Cheer photo gallery with all the pictures from the event by clicking here.

Bridport resident Kerry Gee attended the event with her sons Taylor and Jaxon, who made friends with the reindeer and sent their letters to Santa at Bridport Post Office.

She said: “Bridport Christmas Cheer is a great community event and we come along every year.

“The children have had a brilliant time and the event gets everyone into the spirit.”

As well as the reindeer it was Santa in his grotto who drew the children, but there was plenty for adults to enjoy as well.

There was live music outside The Ropemakers, The Bull Hotel and in Bucky Doo Square and communal carol singing, which included most of the town’s primary school children.

Bridport mayor Maggie Ray said it was thanks to the hard-working committee – of town surveyor Daryl Chambers, who with fellow cheer committee members, co-ordinator Terri Foxwell, Paul Violet, from the town council, Margie Barbour, Dee Fenton from Bridport Arts Centre, Jason Foote of Footeprints, Lucy Hart, secretary of the Melplash Show, Cllr Anne Rickard, John Baker of the Ropemakers and Carol Hatch – that the event was such a success.

Mrs Ray said: “Our Christmas Cheer is bigger and better than ever, especially with the reindeer coming. It is great for the children with Santa and the Christmas lights.

“This is Bridport at its best and it is thanks to Daryl Chambers and the whole team. We have had so much help from everyone; people are so enthusiastic in Bridport they never cease to amaze me with their goodwill. People give their time so freely and happily.”

Cllr Maggie Ray handed out cheques for £250 to each of her charities – Bridport Young Persons Action Trust and Bridport Young Persons Scholarships – raised at the mayor’s annual quiz.

There was certainly a carnival atmosphere, with fairground attractions and a myriad of different culinary temptations from a hog roast, to crepes, fish burgers, pies, roasted chestnuts, sweets and candyfloss, as well as mulled wine, cider and hot drinks.

The Hive Beach Café was just one of the businesses with a stall at the event, offering hot drinks, crêpes and handmade wooden reindeer.

There were craft stalls aplenty in the town hall and Bridport Arts Centre. Market stalls offered the opportunity to buy gifts of all shapes and sizes.

There was also the world-renowned Christmas Tree Festival in Bridport United Church.