HUXLEY the Magician saved the day at Totland Parish Council's annual Christmas market on Friday.

The event was due to take place on Colwell Common but was switched to Freshwater Memorial Hall because of incessant rain during the week.

Unfortunately, The Horse Box Theatre Company was unable to make the new venue, so a last ditch call led to Huxley making an appearance.

Totland Parish clerk, Helen Gibbs, said: "Huxley came to our rescue, so we didn't disappoint the children.

"Just like a pantomime, everything turned out well in the end.

"We had a great turn-out throughout the afternoon even though it was a bit chaotic to organise at the last minute.

"We also had other entertainment including the Bay Wailers, West Wind and Freshwater Ukulele Group who all put on a great show.

"All the stallholders turned up and we realised we had some extra space so we were able to include another couple who were on a standby list, so everything worked out well.

"We usually have our Christmas tree lights switch-on, but this will happen at a later date.

"Instead, at the end of the afternoon, we had a 5ft decorated tree on stage and dimmed all the lights in the hall. We then had a countdown from ten and turned on those lights instead.

"It got a rapturous round of applause and really rounded off a great event."