HUNDREDS of people met in Worcester city centre to enjoy the city's annual lantern parade.

Worcestershire Youth Wind Orchestra entertained the crowds with festive music at Worcester Cathedral Square before the parade set off at 6pm this evening.

Youngsters carried lanterns they had made to The Hive where there was more live Christmas music from Bewdley Concert Band.

Janine Downes, Library manager at The Hive, who organised the event, said: "We held lantern making workshops at Northwick Manor Primary School and some at The Hive.

"We also went to RGS Worcester.

"It's the first time we've started from Cathedral Plaza.

"I thought it was a really nice place to start with the Christmas tree and the Cathedral in the background.

"It's just becoming more and more popular with more and more children."

Workshops were held over two weekends at The Hive and year 3 pupils at the two schools also made more than 100 lanterns.

Sara Stanley, deputy head from Northwick Manor Primary, said: "The children had a fantastic day working with two the artists, Mr and Mrs Boffy, to create individual lanterns.

"As well as being an enjoyable day the children learnt lots of new skills that they can now begin to develop further in school.

"The staff had a workshop with the artist the evening before, to learn how to make the lanterns, so the whole project was a learning experience for both the children and staff at Northwick."