Angels, reindeer and festive crackers lit up the sky as hundreds of people took part in a festive lantern parade.

Cockermouth by Candlelight took place tonight and saw around 200 people join the sparkling parade, proudly holding their homemade lanterns.

Others lined the streets to watch the procession snake its way through Market Street and along Main Street, before finishing at the United Reformed Church for carol singing.

The town's samba band led the procession and the colourful lanterns took on a Christmas theme this year, with creations of all shapes and sizes wowing the crowds.

Most of the town's shops stayed open late to mark the event, placing lanterns in their doorways.

The lantern parade has been taking place in the town since flood waters devastated many businesses and homes in 2009.

Gilli Goodfellow of The Kirkgate Centre, which has coordinated the event, said every year there is a real warm feel in the town. "It's became a really nice, community event," she said.

"All ages take part in the parade, it's a great family event."

Many of the businesses involved in the planning of the event were flooded at the beginning of the year when Storm Desmond hit, so town centre manager Joe Broomfield said this year's celebration had been stripped back - but it was still a huge success.

"I think it's a fantastic event," he said.

"Everyone has a great time and its something that we can build on. The good thing about it, is that it's a community event."

The event was organised by The Kirkgate Centre, Allerdale council and Brian Mitchelhill of Cockermouth Rotary Club.

The parade was led by Cockermouth Music Centre's Samba Band.