Camels spotted walking through Leigh Park as church launches debut Christmas festival

Jaws dropped yesterday as a trio of community figures rode camels through the heart of Leigh Park. 

The stunt marked an offbeat launch to the first Starlight Festival at St Francis' Church in Riders Lane. 

A resident of the Havant suburb for more than 20 years, carer and mother-of-four Nicky Parker was one of three lucky riders picked to lead the procession. 

'˜This isn't something you get to do everyday '“ I'd say it's the opportunity of a lifetime,' the 43-year-old said. 

'˜I've lived in Leigh Park for more than 20 years and I wouldn't live anywhere else. 

'˜It's events like this today '“ and the fireworks [at Stockheath Common] in November, which Leigh Park paid for '“ that prove what a fantastic community this is.' 

Mounting the two other camels were Riders Junior School headteacher Lisa Dunning and PCSO Lisa Moore, who '˜thought she was at the festival for routine community engagement'.