WHEN German market stall holders pulled out of a town’s festive celebrations with just days to go, it threatened to derail the popular family event.

But the people of Tidworth proved what the spirit of Christmas was all about by rallying round to make the community’s Yuletide bonanza a success.

Local crafters, the Holy Trinity Church and the 1st Tidworth Scout Group all came to the rescue to host dozens of stalls accompanying the ice rink over the three-day event.

They pulled together to attend the weekend-long festivities after the German-style markets, which had been booked with Your Event Organisers since May, cancelled their appearance just 48 hours before the extravaganza was due to get under way.

But that didn’t stop scores of residents flocking to the town last weekend, as families queued to see Santa in his grotto and live reindeer outside the community centre.

Mayor of Tidworth Town Council, Cllr Chris Franklin, opened the event and turned on the Christmas tree lights as the Tidworth Military Wives’ Choir and the Appleshaw Hand Bell Ringers led carols around the tree.

The event was organised by Tidworth Town Council with help from Aster Communities, Mark Fell Photography and Tidworth’s Tesco store, which donated a voucher to help pay for supplies.

Cllr Franklin said: “Despite the disappointing news that we had been let down by the company that arranges the markets, it has without any question been a very successful Christmas this year in Tidworth.

“I saw nothing but smiling, happy children.”

The Andover Advertiser attempted to contact Your Event Organisers but had received no reply when we went to press.