SANTA and Cinderella were the guests of honour as Whitchurch residents gathered for the town’s lights switch-on.

The pair arrived on Santa’s sleigh which travelled through the streets to the Town Hall to meet the Mayor of Whitchurch Cllr John Clark and Mayoress Rosemary Crumplin.

Cinderella did the honours by pressing the plunger and illuminating Whitchurch with festive lighting.

The switch-on was just one part of a Christmas-filled evening in the town which included late-night shopping, competitions and carol singing.

Mayor Cllr Clark said: “We were joined by Cinderella for the big switch-on and what a great job everyone did in making the town come alive with the Christmas feeling.

“The late-night shopping at the Gill Nethercott Centre and the Silk Mill was enjoyed by all and we were delighted to advise that The Scouts Charity Shop came first in the best-dressed window competition.

“We were entertained by the pupils of Whitchurch Primary School who sang from their hearts, which was well appreciated by the crowd.

“In addition, Testbourne Community School performed a variety of music and songs and once again gave an exceptional performance.”