PANTO stars joined the Chief Whip and Father Christmas when the festive lights were switched on in Tadley.

Hundreds of people turned out at the Ambrose Allen Centre, in Franklin Avenue, for the popular annual Christmas lights event last Friday.

Leading the 10-second countdown were the stars of The Anvil’s Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Noel Brodie, who plays Muddles, Luke Roberts, as Prince Frederick, and Basingstoke-born Sarah Louise Day, who plays Snow White, flicked on the lights to huge cheers from the crowd.

Carols were sung, led by the 12-strong Tadley Band, and Loddon Valley Lions members collected for Age Concern Hampshire, while inside there were dozens of Christmas market stalls.

In the car park, youngsters enjoyed fairground rides or met Father Christmas in his grotto.

Tracey Colella, from Tadley, was visiting with her six-year-old daughter Rosie.

“It is a fantastic event. We come every year. It really kick-starts Christmas in Tadley,” she said.

And North West Hampshire MP and Government Chief Whip Sir George Young said: “This is when the Christmas season begins.

“It’s always when I have my first mince pie.”