FESTIVE magic swept over Torfaen county borough this weekend as part of several events in the run-up to Christmas.

Community groups, organisations and traders all got into the festive spirit, with hundreds of people flocking to several attractions including themed-markets and a free Santa’s Grotto event.

In conjunction with the national ‘Shop Local’ Saturday event, Pontypool’s high street was filled with traders offering everything from ornate cakes to artisan bread.

The market, organised by Cotyledon Business and Management, was also paired with an independent record fair in the indoor market, with rare vinyl records and live music on offer.

Family-friendly activities also took place all day in Pontypool, including a disco, face painting, glitter tattoos and Disney’s Frozen characters circling the town meeting and greeting guests.

Festive music was also provide by the Salvation Army Pontypool Corps Band, a local choir and the 'Welsh Wedding Bagpiper.'

On Sunday, December 4, around 100 festively dressed runners flocked to Pontypool Park to raise funds and awareness for isolated elderly people.

The 'Santa Run and Elf Dash' raised £1,000 for 'Age Connects Torfaen' — a charity which operates from the Widdershins Centre in Griffithstown.

The funds raised from the event will help the charity hold 13 festive parties before Christmas, tackling social isolation by giving elderly people a chance to socialise and celebrate with new friends.

Emma Wootten, of Torfaen Age Connects, said the Santa run was about "trying to get the community involved in a different, fun way."

"There was a real community spirit and everybody from runners to the walkers were going around encouraging people (taking part). It was a real 'feel good' event," she said.

At another location in Pontypool Park, families were invited to meet Father Christmas at a free event at the park’s prime attractions, ‘The Shell Grotto’.

Constructed in 1794 for the Hanbury family, the grotto is known for its spectacular interior decorated with small and large shells.

Community group ‘Pontypool Park Friends’ (PPF) worked with training provider ‘Evolve Cwmbran’ to give the grotto a festive makeover and create gift bags, which were given to grotto guests.

Organiser Jeannette Fry, of PFF, thanked the several helpers on the day, including the First Panteg Scouts, Torfaen Play Service, Torfaen council, Walnut Tree Farm for providing reindeer and local farmer Robert Evans, who brought along sheep, poultry and a Shetland pony on the day.

“It was a beautiful day and everyone had a wonderful time. We have had very positive comments about it," she said.

Raffle prizes were also donated by Tesco, iCare Domiciliary Care in Cwmbran and Pontypool’s Greggs store gifted several doughnuts and cupcakes for the crowds.

Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway also got involved in the festive fun on Sunday, with children invited to take a ride on their ‘Santa Special Train’ which was adorned with tinsel, inside and out.

Children were given a present by Mr and Mrs Claus, while parents were treated to a beverage and hot mince pie.