Children's organisations have got involved in many Christmas celebrations around the area over the years - as our gallery shows.

Ipswich Star: Stowmarket 1st Guides Christmas Bazaar in November 1980Stowmarket 1st Guides Christmas Bazaar in November 1980 (Image: Archant)

Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies have regularly helped at bazaars and fairs with a festive flavour.

Ipswich Star: A Guides and Brownies bazaar at St Peter's Church, Sudbury, in October 1988A Guides and Brownies bazaar at St Peter's Church, Sudbury, in October 1988 (Image: Archant)

Of course, the organisations are involved in helping the local community, with Hadleigh Brownies among those who have taken Christmas parcels to older people to spread some good cheer.

Ipswich Star: Santa with Guides and Brownies at the switching on of Halesworth Christmas lights in 2003Santa with Guides and Brownies at the switching on of Halesworth Christmas lights in 2003 (Image: Archant)

The Scouts' Christmas post is also very well-known and handles large numbers of cards each year, although this year the much-loved Scouts' postal service in Ipswich, Felixstowe and Kesgrave sadly had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Ipswich Star: Stowmarket Scouts Christmas Show in December 1973Stowmarket Scouts Christmas Show in December 1973 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Hadleigh Brownies delivering Christmas parcels to elderly peopleHadleigh Brownies delivering Christmas parcels to elderly people (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

Ipswich Star: The 2nd Martlesham Heath Guides and Rangers bell ringing at the Deben Avenue Christmas street party and light switch on in 2008The 2nd Martlesham Heath Guides and Rangers bell ringing at the Deben Avenue Christmas street party and light switch on in 2008 (Image: Archant)

To order copies of these photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: Some of the 3rd Stowmarket Scouts delivering Christmas cards in 2008Some of the 3rd Stowmarket Scouts delivering Christmas cards in 2008 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Hogarth Road Scouts in Ipswich starting to sort the Scouts' Christmas post in 2006Hogarth Road Scouts in Ipswich starting to sort the Scouts' Christmas post in 2006 (Image: Archant)