Academy students and staff held a successful workshop for this weekend’s Candlelit Dartmouth.

A total of 32 lanterns were created, including Christmas trees, racing cars, rockets and candy canes.

Acting principal Tina Graham came along to the workshop with her three children who created their own lanterns.

‘This is a great community event,’ she said. ‘We are glad to be able to support initiatives such as these.’

Nicola Perrott, director of learning, said: ‘It was a wonderful atmosphere. We had Christ­mas carols, mince pies and great lanterns being made in a festive, family atmosphere.’

More than 200 lanterns are expected to light up the night sky in Dartmouth on Saturday as part of the town’s Candlelit celebrations.

The town gets into a festive mood today with a market in Royal Avenue Gardens and on the quay.

Pupils from the academy perform on the bandstand at 4pm and there will be carol singing at the Christmas tree with the Britannia Choral Society and musicians from the BRNC Volunteer Band.

At 5.50pm, the Christmas tree lights will be switched on and at 6pm Santa will arrive by boat at the Boatfloat.

Events continue on Saturday with market stalls and seasonal craft workshops, magical Christ­mas tales and Santa’s grotto at the Flavel.

There will be a best-dressed Christ­mas dog competition at the bandstand at 2pm, musical entertainment and a singing workshop from 4pm to 5pm at St Saviour’s Church.

The lantern procession will set off from the Old Market at 5.30pm and travel through the town to arrive at Royal Avenue Gardens for a party finale at 6pm.