The annual Festival of Light in Reepham ended in chaos after two horses pulling Santa's sleigh became spooked and bolted, throwing him and two other people from the back.

Eastern Daily Press: Santas horse carriage crashed against the church wall after the horses became distressed and bolted at the Reepham Festival of Light. PICTURE: Jamie HoneywoodSantas horse carriage crashed against the church wall after the horses became distressed and bolted at the Reepham Festival of Light. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood (Image: Archant)

The annual Festival of Light in Reepham ended in chaos after two horses pulling Santa's sleigh became spooked and bolted, throwing him and two other people from the back.

The incident happened on Thursday teatime around 5.35pm as crowds gathered to see the town's Christmas lights switched on.

Jamie Honeywood, visual curator at the Eastern Daily Press, said: 'The horses got spooked and sprinted off down the road, luckily not hitting anyone.

'The leash that the horses were tied to snapped and people were flung from the carriage. It eventually stopped outside the Spar.

Eastern Daily Press: The carriage drivers at the Reepham Festival of Light. PICTURE: Jamie HoneywoodThe carriage drivers at the Reepham Festival of Light. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood (Image: Archant)

'Santa seemed pretty shocked like most of the families, but he was quickly checked over by a medic and wanted to head back to the grotto so he could see the children.'

Jools Line, an attendee at the event, posted on Facebook: 'No one was hurt which was a miracle, only Santa's pride was a bit damaged.

'The horses were eventually found in the grounds of the old rectory and were said to be none the worse for their ordeal. '

Organisers of the event have been approached for comment.

Eastern Daily Press: Children with autism will have the chance to meet Santa at a special event in Norwich. PICTURE: Jamie HoneywoodChildren with autism will have the chance to meet Santa at a special event in Norwich. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood (Image: Archant)

More as this story develops.