SANTA Claus proved a hit in Pembroke during the town’s annual Christmas market festivities, with 1,000 people flocking to the town despite horrendous weather.

As in previous years, Father Christmas set off from Pembroke Castle on his sleigh, through Main Street to St Michaels Square, to give out free chocolates and joined the crowds singing Christmas carols.

The weekend saw the town hold its annual Christmas market, which unfortunately had to be cancelled to the blustery weather.

Speaking after the event, Santa said: “It was brilliant, absolutely brilliant, there were about 1,000 people following us on the sleigh to St Michaels where we sang hymns and gave out chocolates to the youngsters.

“The kids thoroughly enjoyed it; they called me the ‘rocking Santa’, the kids just loved it.

“It seems like it’s getting bigger and bigger every year, with the Christmas market and a chance to come and see Santa.”

He said the poor weather conditions forced the closure of the popular Christmas market.

“The weather was absolutely awful but Jon (Williams) from the castle made a good command decision to shut down the market before anybody got hurt.”