Christmas would not be Christmas without reindeer - especially with a beautiful castle in the background to complete the seasonal picture.

Frantic shoppers who visited the town on Saturday were able to slow down for a moment and enjoy the spectacle as the annual reindeer parade set off from outside the Windsor Castle, headed for the Windsor Yards shopping centre. There was live music and Santa's elves were on hand to add to the atmosphere.

The 'elves' were pupils from Eton Wick School.

But pride of place on the sleigh with Santa went to four-year-old Chloe Walker and her brother Slyn, two - the children of Kerrin Walker, the manager of Vision Express nearby.

There was free face painting available - with an emphasis of making children who had it done look as much like reindeer as possible. They even got free antlers.

Windsor Yards administrator Natalie Taylor said: "It was a good afternoon and lots of shoppers said it made them feel like it really was Christmas - and how nice it was to have such a tradition in Windsor."

Later there was a chance for younger shoppers to meet Santa and have their photos taken with him.

Pictures courtesy of Natalie Taylor - Windsor Yards