AN estimated 20,000 people squeezed into Looe's streets on Monday for the visit of the Coca-Cola truck.

The town had one of its busiest days ever as the iconic vehicle helped to spread the magic of Christmas.

Looe was the smallest town yet to be visited by the truck during its annual nationwide tours but it had the biggest impact on the vehicle's crew.

The truck's driver, Michael Wakelin, said: 'We just had the best event ever.

'I drive the truck and have done nearly 100 gigs, but Looe knocked spots off everywhere else.

'Well done to everyone: the council, the locals, the tearooms that fed us, the harbourmaster who looked like Santa and made us welcome, and finally the police who were invaluable and totally professional. Best ever, guys, well done. Merry Christmas all!'

Looe mayor David Bryan said: 'At one point I looked up the street and there was this massive tidal-wave of people.

'It was a real buzz to see the town so full.'

There were stands in the streets which were illuminated by the town's Christmas decorations. Groups also filled the air with music.

At the Cornish Times stand, staff members Sabrina Giddy, Debbie Lee and Brett Wilson said it had been a brilliant day.

'It was crazy – all the time I have lived in Looe I have never seen so many people,' said Sabrina.

During the day, more than 9,000 cans of Coca-Cola were given away and 1,400 photographs were taken of people who had queued the length of the quayside, eager to have a picture of themselves next to the truck.

The day was particularly memorable for seven-year-old Max Jay.

In the morning, as his dad Jason was taking him to school, they stopped to admire the truck.

The truck's driver then invited Max to have a rare look around inside.

Mum Sharon: 'He was an extremely lucky little boy. He loved it and said it was magical.'

The roads leading into Looe became extremely busy and visitors also experienced lengthy queues at the takeaways, with one chip shop running out of chips and pasties selling out. However, the general atmosphere was a very happy and magical one.

Coca-Cola's artificial snow machine created the feel of a winter wonderland around the truck which was lit up during the evening.

Deputy mayor Armand Toms, who had the idea of inviting the truck to Looe, said: 'This has been fantastic for the town and for the traders, and hopefully this will help to get them through the winter.

'After the last couple of years with the floods, we needed a bit of cheer, something to bring some happiness back to the town.

'This has been the best ever Christmas which has lifted everyone in Looe and I have nothing but praise for the Coca-Cola staff.'

County councillor Edwina Hannaford said: 'It was busier than New Year's Eve.

'This was a real boost in the run-up to Christmas. It was a great atmosphere and fantastic to see so many happy, smiley people.'

Coca-Cola also gave gifts to the town – a table tennis table made of stone for the seafront and a games table and chairs for the Rose Garden.

Mr Bryan said: 'When we first mooted the idea of Coca-Cola coming to Looe, we didn't really expect them to come, so this has been a fantastic achievement, with thanks to the 80 or so people who wrote letters asking for the visit, and everyone, including all the volunteers, who helped with the organisation.

'Coca-Cola came to provide a happy and positive experience, and everything just flowed from there. I cannot praise enough their polite staff, our local police who joined in the fun of the day and all the happy people who came.

'When the truck left, all the police together with myself and cllr Toms lined up by the bridge and waved them off. It was quite something.'

There was a large police presence but Sgt Jo Williams said there was no disorder or crimes reported.

'It was a friendly, happy, family event. We dealt with three children separated from their families and three people needed medical attention,' she said.

'There were some issues with parking which was not surprising with the number of people coming to the town. The council laid on extra transport to try to ease waiting times at the park and rides which had been organised.'