Hundreds of schoolchildren joined A Festival of Light as the countdown to Christmas continues.

The festive spirit spread through Dartford with a lantern parade featuring 11 local schools, live music and a firework display on Friday.

The celebration – now in its 13th year – was organised by Cohesion Plus, Dartford council and Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

It saw some 600 children create their own lanterns for the parade which aimed to celebrate Dartford through the values of respect, friendship, diversity and community and what binds the residents of the borough together.

The festival kicked off with a series of street performances as the children lit up their lanterns on the High Street.

Approximately 1,500 people took part in the parade, along with a range of performers including Bloco Fogo Samba, the Kings of Dhol, Crocodile Style Brass, stilt walkers and children character mascots.

Led by Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Kelvin Holford, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Paul Cutler and Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite, the parade went through the town centre before finishing in Central Park, and was followed by a firework display.

Gurvinder Sandher, from Cohesion Plus, said: "The whole ethos of our organisation and of the festival is to use arts and culture to connect communities, bring them together and celebrate all that unites us locally.

"I am also grateful to all of our partners including Dartford Borough Council, Arts Council England and KKB Group without whose support, the event would not have been possible.

Cllr Jeremy Kite added: “We’re extremely proud to work with Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council on yet another fantastic Festival of Light.

"It’s great to see the community come together like this every year. I’d like to thank all of the schools, children and parents who take part in this brilliant parade through the town centre. I can’t wait for next year."