Father Christmas made an early appearance on his sleigh on Friday evening for the annual March Christmas lights switch-on which saw bigger crowds than ever turn-out for the event.

Thousands of people packed the town centre for the popular event which included an array of fun fair rides and side stalls in the centre of Broad Street and live music on the Market Place.

Anna Hankin, a member of Eddies charity, had the honour of flicking the switch to light up the town with the help of Father Christmas, who also had a busy time handing out presents in his grotto and talking to children about their Christmas lists.

Children had a chance to meet the Frozen Princesses and have their pictures taken with them, which proved hugely popular.

Assistant town clerk Geoff Wilkinson said: “It was a fantastic evening. The weather stayed fine and it was a mild evening and I think there were more people in town than ever, everywhere was jammed packed. There were plenty of admiring comments about the new lights this year especially the ones on the Town Bridge.”