Hundreds of lanterns built for Plymouth parade tonight

Plymouth is getting in the Christmas spirit tonight with a parade of hundreds of lanterns through the city centre.

The Festival of Lights marks the start of late night shopping and involves hundreds of children from schools across the area.

They've been putting the finishing touches to some of the giant lanterns which promise to make it a memorable event.

Art students from the city's colleges and universities have helped with the big lanterns, and children from several of the city's primary schools have had great fun making individual stars to carry themselves.

Along with Santa there'll be real live reindeer, donkeys and owls to see. There'll be choirs and bands providing entertainment through the evening. The busy lantern makers are already having fun.

You can watch John Andrews report below: