Ho, ho, ho! The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in South Pembrokeshire!

A host of festive events have been taking place recently, delighting both young and old and getting everyone in the Yuletide spirit.

Despite the freezing temperatures, most celebrations have thankfully been able to go ahead as scheduled.

Tenby adventurer, Rosie Swale Pope, launched the Christmas spirit when she ran from Tenby to Amroth at the weekend taking part in four pre-main event swims along the way.

Crowds in their thousands, meanwhile, enjoyed a three-day helping of the Christmas spirit when the village of Saundersfoot switched on the festive fun.

The community's annual St. Nicholas Market attracted more than 11,000 people to sample a seasonal feast of food, gifts, crafts, cookery and craft demonstrations and other attractions.

Elsewhere, in Narberth, the winter carnival was a colourful after-dark seasonal highlight, bringing the curtain down on a day packed full of Yuletide merriment, and Pembroke came alive with excitement when around 200 children turned out to welcome Santa when he arrived in his sleigh to switch on the lights on the splendid Christmas tree.

And of course, today (Friday) sees the start of a hectic three-day programme of celebrations in Tenby, as well as a lantern parade in Pembroke Dock tonight.

One couple who have switched on to Christmas in a big way again this year are Vic and Sheila Norman, of Kilgetty, who have decked the outside of their home with a sparkling array of Christmas lights and are collecting money in aid of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

See inside for more Christmas stories and pictures from the area.