town yesterday.

Hundreds of fans of all ages lined the streets of Hamilton at 4 p.m. as the Island's annual pre-Christmas parade took off from City Hall despite the grey skies which loomed overhead.

The parade was led by baton twirlers from the Hamilton Parish Hot Peppers, Somerset Cricket Club Trojanettes, Central Worl-A-Girlz, the Pembroke Community Club Majorettes & Drummers and others.

But when the rains erupted just after five o'clock the parade was reduced to only Santa Claus and his personal entourage.

Led by Rudolph the reindeer's shiny red nose, Santa made his way down Front Street accompanied by Mrs. Claus on his sleigh while his faithful "elves'' from the MarketPlace made their way through the crowds -- who were clustered underneath whatever shelter they could find -- to pass out candy.

Not even the rain could stop the cheering children as they poured onto Front Street to welcome jolly old St. Nick as his trademark ho-ho-ho shook the night air.

And then just as quickly as he arrived he was gone, back to the North Pole perhaps to prepare for the busiest night of his year.

COMING TO A CHIMNEY NEAR YOU - Santa Claus dropped in yesterday afternoon to wish the Island a Merry Christmas despite the rain which poured down on hundreds of fans who gathered in Hamilton to welcome him.