FESTIVE cheer hit Sale with a bang on Monday as residents joined together for a spectacular Christmas party.

More than 500 people turned out for the festivities and tucked into hot food and mulled wine as they watched a dazzling firework display.

Residents of all ages joined in with the Christmas festival on Sale West Estate, which featured a carnival of animals in a live nativity scene.

It turned out to be a truly exotic event as children and adults were welcomed to the annual yuletide party by reindeer, donkeys, llamas and even a camel.

Entertainment was provided by local singers and dancers, the Firsway Primary School Choir and musical accompaniment from the Tyldesley Brass Band.

Lynne Stewart, a Sale West resident, said it was an absolutely fantastic seasonal event.

She said: “It gave the estate a real festive lift. The kids and adults were all smiling - it was lovely."

The event was organised by Irwell Valley, a not-for-profit housing association, which provides homes and services to over 7,000 households in Greater Manchester.