A MERRY band of toy soldiers kicked off the Christmas season with a festive parade at Stretford Mall at the weekend.

Colourful characters from The Bakehouse Factory led children, and some adults, on a march around the shopping centre, as families joined in a mission to find Santa Claus on Saturday, November 21.

The Toy Soldiers Training session heralded the official launch of Santa’s Grotto at Stretford Mall, which this year is housed in a castle inside the mall.

The parade was led by Captain Christmas, with Sergeant Sparkle, Holly Wood, and Ivy Tree. Shoppers were also treated to music from The Sugar Plums.

Stretford Mall centre manager Gareth Wilkins said: “Stretford has always had a real sense of community about it and we consider the mall to be one of the hubs of that community so we like to lay on something really special at this time of year.

“It's partly to celebrate the coming festivities but also as a thank you to all the loyal customers and their families who have supported us throughout the year.

“The performers today have been fantastic, with their colourful Toy Soldier and fairytale character costumes.

“They've created a real buzz which has lifted the spirits of everyone here."

St Ann’s School Stretford pupils Amy Yates, seven, and her sister Chloe, three, came to the mall for the event with mum Lisa.

Lisa, of Gorse Hill, said: “It has been so good. I can’t tell you how much the kids have enjoyed themselves.

“Chloe has just started nursery and this is the first year that she has really understood about Santa and the festive celebrations.

“She was so excited to see Santa, and Amy was over the moon about getting to join in the parade.”