The final touches to this years Hampton Hill Christmas Procession are under way despite initial fears that it might be too costly to stage.

The popular parade was under threat when police informed organisers they needed a traffic order for the event, worth about £1,000.

After further examination Richmond Council established that the procession did not require a traffic order as the road will not be closed off.

A council spokesman said: We advised the organisers to have a police steward, as in previous years, at the front and at the back of the procession.

Richmond Police are not expected to charge for providing the escort.

Mike Smith, a shop assistant at Burts Cycles in the High Street, said: Its absolutely fantastic. The procession is good for businesses, its good for families and its good for charities. It was worth fighting for.

Hampton Hill councillor Geoffrey Samuel said: This is the biggest annual community event in Hampton Hill and I am delighted it is going ahead.

We hope hundreds of people will come to the parade on Friday November 30.