A record number of Christmas shoppers made the most of Usk's Winter Fair last weekend (7th and 8th December) as around 50 stalls opened in the town.

Organisers estimate that around 10,000 people passed through the market over the weekend, choosing from a range of products including fruit and vegetables, sweets, clothes, gifts and street food.

"The weekend was a massive success," said organiser David Sansom.

"The town was incredibly busy both days. Everyone seemed to enjoy the market, and there was even a music stage running on both days with performances of jazz, western, folk and rhythm and blues artists."

Welsh rugby hero Gerald Davies, pictured right, was on site at the Gallery in the Square on Sunday to meet fans and sign copies of his new book, 'Greatest Welsh Tries Ever.

The festival had a further treat in store for festival-goers on Sunday evening, as streets were closed to welcome a team of reindeer pulling Father Christmas' sleigh around the town.

Around 5000 people lined the streets to watch the candle-lit procession, that came to rest at Usk Sessions House where the deer were put into a pen for children to see.

The animals were brought down from the Scottish Cairngorms, a trandition that has lasted in the town for the past 20 years.

Also pictured bottom right are sixth-form students from Caerleon Comprehensive School, who were joined by residents of Usk to hold a sleep-out in aid of the charity Shelter on Friday night (6th December).

The group of 19 wished to raise awareness of teen homelessness, and so spent the cold winter Friday night in the empty shells of the market stalls, being sponsored and raising £2000 for the charity.

The fundraisers were given soup in the evening by The Three Salmons Hotel, and breakfast from the Castle Inn.