FATHER Christmas arrived in style on a traditional fire engine to switch on the festive lights in Overton.

The event last Friday saw hundreds of villagers enjoy an evening of entertainment, during which they could benefit from late-night shopping while drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies.

Ahead of the lights switch-on, a Mince Pie Bake-Off was held, to raise funds for Lordsfield Swimming Club.

Villagers were invited to show off their baking skills by entering their mince pies in the competition, which was judged by Clare Scheckter, of Laverstoke Park Farm.

First place in the under-15 category was awarded to Marie Boyere, while first place in the over 15s was presented to Janet Marsh.

Lauren McCann, from Lords-field Swimming Club, said: “It was fun looking on as the winners were announced by the Three Musketeers who popped over from the panto to do the honours. It was a fun evening and helped to kick the festive season off a treat.”

The sweet treats were then sold off to raise funds for the swimming club, generating £220.

Peter Baker, who helped to organise the Overton Business Association-run event, said: “It was absolutely splendid. The weather was extremely kind, and 200 children and their parents turned out to see Santa.

“The mince pie competition was a tremendous success. We sold all the pies and together with the Community Centre who were also selling food and hot drinks, we made £470.”

Villagers also enjoyed a Santa’s Grotto, live nativity scene and fairground rides.