A CHARACTER who is mean, green and always seen in Ventnor at Christmas — The Grinch — entertained hundreds of people on Saturday.
The town’s streets were a hive of Christmas activity for the annual Ventnorville festival, with something for all the family to enjoy.

The popular event, which has become a tradition in recent years and inspired by the Dr Seuss character, The Grinch, helped to transform Ventnor into Whoville (or Ventnorville, as locals now call it) for a day.
Organised by Ventnor Business Association, in partnership with Ventnor Town Council and businesses in the town, there was live music, carol singing, buskers, games, markets and much more.
Children flocked to see Santa in his grotto, while The Grinch turned up unexpectedly at locations on his sleigh.
He even took part in the Santa Dash on Ventnor seafront.
With car parking charges in the town waived for the day, it encouraged many people to flock to Ventnor, said organisers.
The fun continued with a best dressed dog competition, the 3rd Ventnor scouts’ live Nativity scene with farm animals, and Christmas Corner in Ventnor Park.
The children’s fancy dress contest, with the theme of Dr Seuss or Sleeping Beauty characters, was well subscribed.
Ventnor Exchange featured live music from artistes, including the Yank Heart-strings and Doug Aldred, as well as the Headfunk Christmas party.
Folk artist Reg Meuross performed a concert at St Catherine’s Church later in the evening.
Jack Whitewood, of Ventnor Business Assoc-iation, said: "We had a very busy day in the town, with so much going on all over the place.
"It was nice to be able to get people out and using businesses in Ventnor."

Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk