THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Usk on Sunday to welcome the most awaited visitor of the year.

Despite the bitter cold, people turned out for the culmination of Usk Winter Festival to witness the arrival of Santa and his magnificent reindeer, but the best seat in the house was reserved for one special young lady.

Bethan Rees, a pupil at Usk Primary School was the lucky winner in the Festivals Design a House for Santa competition run to celebrate the opening of Construction Solutions new showroom in the town and who had generously sponsored Santa's visit this year.

The event run over three days included live music, markets, book signings, ghost walks, and of course the visit of Santa himself.

Organiser David Sansom on behalf of Usk Chamber of Commerce was delighted with the weekend, and despite a serious road accident depriving visitors of a Continental Market was pleased that Usk Farmers Market, were able to step into the breach and provide all the sights and smells of a traditional street market in the centre of the town.

David said, "People were delighted to see the Farmers Market in the square where most feel it belongs. The weather was perfect, and the entertainment over the weekend added to the occasion, making it the best event yet."

Monmouth MP David Davies and Usk Mayor councillor Tony Kear kicked things off on the Friday evening when they lead the countdown to switching on the lights of the spectacular 30ft Christmas tree in the courtyard of the Gallery in the Square.

The live stage hosted a variety of musical styles from Choirs to Blues, Jazz to Rock and Roll, with the biggest reception given to the young people of WAWWA The Musical Youth who entertained the huge crowds in the lead up to Santa's arrival.

The British Legion reported brisk trade for its Christmas Crafts Market, whilst many visited the Sessions House and were entertained around the Town by the Usk Youth Band and the St Cadocs Millennium Bell Ringers.

So for the five thousand or more revellers that joined in with the Winter Festival over the weekend, the countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun.