A lantern-making workshop proved to be a big hit with people of all ages.

Dozens of families turned up for the session which was organised by the Big Fish Arts and held at Restoration Youth in Trinity Road, Sheerness, on Saturday.

Participants made them in the shape of pyramids, birdcages, aeroplanes and even a zeppelin.

Their creations, along with others made by school pupils on the Island as well as members of Cubs, Scouts and Rainbow groups, will feature in the annual Christmas parade this Saturday.

Those who made them are asked to meet at the sandpit, with their lantern, opposite Tantra nightclub at 3.30pm. There will be a performance by members of Helen K’s School of Dance before everyone sets off.

The route starts from the train station end of town and will lead down the High Street towards Millennium Way before turning into Trinity Road, the Broadway and back into the High Street where it will finish at the clock tower.

On the same day, a festive market will be held between 10am and 6pm. The High Street will be closed to traffic and car parks will be free from 2pm.

John Nurden, chairman of Sheerness Town Team, which organised the event, said: “We hope it will attract people from the mainland to come and see what Sheerness has to offer.”