Avon Valley Community Matters held its first lantern parade through Fordingbridge High Street during the town’s annual late night shopping event.

Working in collaboration with Culture in Common, the Salvation Army, Fordingbridge Events, the town council and the Rotary Club of Fordingbridge, prior to the event the Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) team organised a free family lantern making workshop in order to create the wonderful spectacle which lit up the town. Headed up by a pair of well-behaved Kelly’s donkeys, the procession began and ended with stories of light and wonder from internationally acclaimed storyteller Danya Miller. In between, the parade lit up the High Street and dazzled hundreds of late-night shoppers out for a spot of Christmas shopping, to witness the turning on of the town’s Christmas lights and to enjoy the evening’s entertainment organised by Fordingbridge Town Council.

Claire Godson, AVCM’s family befriender, said: “We are so delighted by the support from so many families as well as local organisations for our very first, spectacular lantern parade. Thank you to everyone who took part for making it such a memorable occasion. We feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful community – such kind support enables us to continue our charity’s aim of ‘reaching out to all.”

AVCM’s new charity shop on the High Street was also open for the first time during the late- night shopping evening.

AVCM runs the local, inclusive Superstars Playgroup from 9.30am each term-time Friday morning at St Mary’s Church Hall in Fordingbridge. During the holidays, staff and volunteers continue their family work by offering free holiday activities, including Picnics Together, Building Together and Christmas Together. The charity also offers Bereavement Support, runs a Friendship Group, a Miscarriage Support Group and offers support and friendship at its new Charity Shop on Fordingbridge High Street.

For more information on the charity’s community outreach projects, or if you would like to get involved and join AVCM’s friendly volunteer team, please visit www.avcmatters.org, email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com or call 01425 653258.