THE annual Christmas parade in Coleford just missed the worst of Storm Clodagh on Friday night.

All the towns which switched on their festive lights including Coleford, Cinderford, Lydney, Caldicot, Chepstow, Ross and Newent were all affected by the awful weekend weather.

Mayor of Coleford Cllr Paul Kay said: “We were lucky in that the rain held off for the parade. Half an hour earlier it was chucking it down.

“Coleford Town Council would like to thank the Christmas lights committee for their work in putting up the lights.”

Five local schools took part in the parade, showing off the scarecrows they had created with the help of local artist Vicky Thornton.

The winners of the schools’ cup was Coalway and the top three Christmas windows selected by the mayor were Gwyn James Solicitors, Spa Rituals and Tram Stop.

In Lydney choirs from local schools and the Lydney Training Band were fortunate to have shelter provided at the car wash in Newerne Street.

The lights were switched on by local Paralympics hopeful Andy Lewis with help from the Mayor of Lydney, Cllr Bob Berryman and air cadet Natalie Insall.

Andy, who hopes to compete at next year’s Paralympics in Rio, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Lydney for the support they’ve given me over the last year.”

*See this week’s Review for more photographs.