HUNDREDS of people gathered to watch Christmas arrive in March, when the town’s lights were switched on last night.

The town centre was full of spectators as Santa and former boxing champion Dave “Boy” Green shared the honour of turning on March’s illuminations.

There was a host of other entertainment with singers and children’s rides delighting the crowd.

The town’s Christmas tree, which arrived last week, was also lit up as the countdown to Christmas begins.

Bernard Keane, Chairman of March’s Christmas Lights Committee, said: “The evening could not be a success without the people of March and surrounding areas turning out in large numbers. We certainly had a magnificent crowd and it was wonderful to see.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to Sue & Mick Beer, Robert Peachey and James Tebbitt who have worked tirelessly to repair and erect the lights, March Rotary Club, March Lions Club, 1220 March Air Cadets, March Golf Club, Monkeys Uncle (for providing the music), John Whitehead (our Master of Ceremonies), Seafield Logistics, Ridgeons, Andre Whitby, March Town Council, Fenland District Council, March Police, The Red Cross, The Oliver Cromwell Hotel, The Middle Level Watermans Club (for the illuminated boats on the river), the Christmas Lights Committee who meet every month throughout the year to organise this annual event and last, but by no means least, Father Christmas, his elves and Dave “Boy” Green for visiting March to perform the “switch-on” ceremony.”