A WEEKEND of fun to invite Christmas into Haworth created a suitably festive atmosphere in the village last weekend.

Hundreds of people came along to enjoy both the annual fairy parade in Main Street on Saturday (Nov 26) and the Scroggling the Holly procession yesterday. (Nov 27)

On the Saturday afternoon, entertainer Freyja Fire Sprite led a procession of youngsters dressed as fairies, elves and goblins up the street.

The main Scroggling the Holly procession began at the same time at the bottom of the street yesterday.

A parade of children dressed in Victorian costumes walked up the street, singing carols and stopping at the top of Main Street for the crowning of this year's Holly Queen by procession leader Martin Nutter.

The 2016 Holly Queen is Lottie Willetts and her attendants are Isabella Curtis and Freya Lambert.

Mr Nutter, who lives in Haworth, and was leading the parade for his third year, said: "It went extremely well.

"I didn't think it was quite as busy at the bottom of Main Street as last time, but once we got to the top there was a very good crowd, and everyone had a good time.

"The weather was fantastic. A bit cloudy and cold, but it didn't rain which was the important thing.

"I've been taking part now for six or seven years – for as long as my own kids have wanted to participate."

Organiser and Main Street trader Mike Hutchinson paid tribute to fellow local trader Margaret Hamer for her role in getting the children together for Scroggling the Holly.

He also thanked Freyja Fire Sprite for her contribution on the Saturday.

"We had both the Oakworth Morris Men and the Leeds Morris Men here on Sunday," he added. "Martin has taken over leading the procession and he's really made it his own."

"It was busy all weekend, which helps to enhance the Christmas atmosphere, makes people happy and brings more people to the village."

Mr Hutchinson noted that Haworth would be hosting a Christmas market in its Central Park this coming weekend.

Stalls will run from 9am to 5.30pm on December 3 and December 4.

As well as the gifts, food and other items on sale in the park there will be further entertainment in Main Street, including performances by the West Yorkshire Police Band on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Hutchinson said it would be the first time this band has taken part in Haworth's Christmas programme.