Around 3,000 people packed Chatteris streets on Saturday for the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights.

Brother and sister Evan (7) and Carys Harte (5), who are pupils at the Kingsfield School, won the opportunity to flick the switch to light up the town with the help of Father Christmas.

Chris Savill, chairman of the Chatteris Christmas Lights, was absolutely delighted with the success of this year’s grand switch-on which saw 18 new displays this year - some replacing damaged pieces but many were extra.

Market Hill and High Street was filled with fair rides and side stalls with entertainment provided by a brass ensemble from March playing Christmas songs.

The Salvation Army hosted a Christmas fair at the Citadel and the Emmanuel Church had carol-themed displays for visitors to enjoy.

The evening also saw a Town Crier competition held with three entrants vying for the voluntary role: Judi Kirk, Peter Taylor (the current incumbant) and Lawrence Weetman.

Lawrence proved the winner with his strident call pipping the other two whose cries included a rhyming call. He will now act as Town Crier at the annual summer festival and is also available for other civic events. He performed his first job as Town Crier on Saturday calling the winners of a Christmas card competition organised by Ellis Winters for pupils at Kingsfield School.

Another highlight of the evening was a parade of wacky animal characters through the town centre.