SEVERE weather brought a halt to a Reindeer Parade in Middlesbrough at the weekend - but gale force winds and driving rain didn't dampen the festive spirit.

The annual parade and community carnival were due to take place on Sunday afternoon before the Christmas lights switch-on.

But severe weather saw violent gusts snap the flagpole over the Town Hall, while in Centre Square the stage had to be abandoned due to high winds, so the outdoor event was cancelled.

Instead some of the events were staged in the Town Hall, meaning more than 800 children, family and friends could go to the Santa's Workshop.

Outdoor Christmas market stalls were removed at short notice – but shoppers looking for a festive treat could still find fudge, cake and jewellery on sale in the atrium at mima.

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “The Reindeer Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On are hugely popular events.

“The decision to cancel them was not taken lightly, but the prevailing weather conditions left us with no choice as the safety of all involved is of paramount importance."

A meeting will be held later today (November 30) to discuss the rescheduling of the Christmas Lights Switch On, and an announcement will be made in due course.

Updates will also be posted on lovemiddlesbrough.com/christmas, facebook.com/lovemiddlesbrough and twitter.com/lovembro