NIGHT-TIME became bright in a town this weekend as hundreds of lanterns lit up the streets in an annual parade.

Ulverston's yearly Lantern Festival took place on Saturday, September 17, with a 'record number' of kits sold for the eclectic celebration, which welcomed families from across South Cumbria.

From the Minecraft 'creepers', Spongebob Squarepants and minions shaped lanterns, to more serious tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, creativity was rife as over 600 lantern-bearers took part in the half-hour-long procession, which trailed its way through County Square on its way to Ford Park.

People shouted out characters that they recognised or praise for impressive lanterns as the procession passed them. Musicians, from drummers to a brass band, played music for the crowds and kept the atmosphere electric.

The BFG caused the biggest ripple of awe through the crowd - as the huge artwork towered over spectators. Of similar scale were a horse and almost life-sized Titanic.

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In total, it took more than an hour from the beginning points of Ulverston Parish Church, Croftlands Community Centre, Auction Mart and Ellie's Garden Centre to march through town to end up in the park, where a firework display delighted revellers.

A spokesman for the festival said: "Oh my word Ulverston, that was a huge festival. 

"So many amazing lanterns on show and so many out to enjoy them. "For now, off to bed with a happy heart."

"Thank you for helping keep this much-loved festival alive!"

Hundreds of pounds have been raised through lantern kits, online donations and in collection buckets at the event - which will go to support the festival next year.

The streets of the town were full to the brim with attendees from County Square, where the four individual processions merged, down New Market Street to the town centre and through to Ford Park.