By Stewart McConnell

A DANCING snowman, stylish Rolls Royce and Santa and Mrs Claus were among the highlights at Troon's annual Wintertainment festival on Sunday.

And organiser Helen Duff, chairwoman of Troon Community Council has voted the 2018 edition of the event one of the best in its recent history.

The festivities began with a parade from Templehill to Portland Street, Church Street, Academy Street and Ayr Street, which featured the Gala Queen Eilidh Graham and sisters, Morna and Aeva, the princesses who rode with Helen in a 1921 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost driven by local businessman Tony Peters with Citizen of the Year Wilma Benson also on board.

Others in the colourful parade included he RNLI with Santa on the Lifeboat, the 12 Days of Christmas Troon Coastal Rowing Club, SunWumminDrummin, Livewire Theatre, Secret Santa and the Coastguard.

Karalyn Bell School of Dance entertained in the Old Parish Church Hall, there were also seasonal activities including songs at crepe making at Seagate Church, short films, including Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas in St Patrick's Primary School and craft events in Troon Library.

The Christmas lights were switched on at 4pm by the Royal Party and Provost Helen Moonie with singing from Frances Carson and friends and the Troon Beacon was lit half an hour later.

Helen Duff said: "It was a fantastic day and I loved the Rolls Royce. This was the biggest turnout for years and a lot of people came along to see the car. Frances Carson was great with her Christmas songs."