SIR,

Monmouth Town Council's Community Affairs Committee would like to thank all those who helped make the Christmas Candlelit Event last Thursday (15th December) a great success.

Despite a dire weather forecast, a huge all-age crowd joined the procession up Monnow Street and then in the carol singing at the Shire Hall.

Father Christmas gave presents to a record number of excited children and the Punch House raised great funds for Help for Heroes through donations for their mulled wine on the cobbles.

As ever, this was the result of a fantastic community effort. The Mayor was proud to lead the procession from Monnow Bridge, followed by the wonderful, rich warm sound of Monmouth Comprehensive School's Wind Players and the Llangattock Montessori Choir.

The Rotarians, Police and town councillors kept a careful eye on safety within the road closure.

The sound of our town band greeted the procession under the arches of the Shire Hall. We had a special carol from the children of the Montessori Choir. Then the Wind Players joined the Town Band to accompany the whole audience.

Father David McGladdery and Rev Nick Munday kindly raised their voices so the bible readings could be heard above the crowds.

The Fancy Dress Competition was harder than ever to judge.

Santa swept in, out of the dark and children somehow knew he'd be laden with chocolates to share out.

They also remembered to accept his invitation to his grotto, afterwards. Never has the Shire Hall looked so magical.

Staff at Hadnock Road, our Macebearers, Rudolph Griffiths and, probably most of all, Sue James the Town Clerk need our gratitude. It was a lovely evening.

Thank you to everyone involved.

Cllr. Jane Gunter and the Community Affairs Committee of the Town Council