WHEN it comes to spreading festive cheer Whitehaven woman Emma Ralls and her Christmas Cheer Gang are a top team.

They dressed up as all sorts, from The Grinch to a polar bear, Mr and Mrs Claus, snowman, elves and a star, and danced and sang their way along the harbour, giving out sweets and hugs as they went.

The financial adviser, of Emma Ralls Wealth Management, laid on lots of free family fun in the lead up to the big day - and raised £600 for a local charity. Hundreds of people joined in the dancing and singing on a beautiful winter's day.

Emma and her friends and work colleagues set off from Tesco and headed to the harbour where they teamed up with Cleator Moor Brass band, who entertained the crowds with a selection of carols.

"This is the Christmas Cheer Gang's second year," said Emma, who was dressed up as a Christmas Tree.

"My friend, Nicola Fleming, and I came up with the idea last year. We fancied spreading some festive cheer. It was a big success so we decided to do do it again this year."

Emma posted their plans on Facebook. She also said she was raising money for Bee Unique, a Copeland charity supporting families of children with autism, and was delighted to bring in £600.

"We had a very successful day as the Christmas Cheer gang. We had lots of sweets donated by Sarah's Dream Fund and handed out more than 200 packets.

"The kids loved it. There were big smiles and lots of cuddles and dancing.

"We played Christmas music - Rock Around the Christmas Tree and We Wish You a Marry Christmas - as we walked towards the harbour.

"Cleator Moor Brass Band were amazing. They played carols and we danced to them," said Emma, whose daughter, Charlotte, three, was dressed as a star.

"It was very very busy, lovely to see so many people joining in the fun."

The Christmas Cheer gang was delighted with how it all went.

"I have a business in Whitehaven and wanted to give something back to the community - raise spirits and provide some free family fun," said Emma.

"Bee Unique is such a great local charity and I really wanted to support them. It was great to raise so much money."