Swimmers prepare to take part in the annual Christmas Day Peter Pan Cup handicap race in the Serpentine River, in Hyde Park, London, Britain. 25 December, 2019.

Swimmers prepare to take part in the annual Christmas Day Peter Pan Cup handicap race in the Serpentine River, in Hyde Park, London, Britain. 25 December, 2019. - Copyright Hannah McKay- Reuters

This week in pictures: Rare solar eclipse, Christmas celebrations and protests in France

By Natalia Liubchenkova

Published on 27/12/2019 - 14:50•Updated 03/01/2020 - 18:42

Here is our selection of the most eyecatching photographs from this last week.

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This week, skywatchers were treated to a rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse - the view only available from a narrow band across the world.

After weeks of shopping and preparations, Christmas was celebrated around the world.

But some holidaymakers cancelled their festive holidays in Paris as pension reform protests and strikes entered their fourth week.

They are among the topics that have produced some of the best pictures this week.

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