IT is traditional to switch a town's Christmas lights on with a huge fanfare, but this year Trowbridge made a song and dance about switching them off.

Mayor Glyn Bridges officially turned off the county town's festive display on Tuesday to promote energy efficiency.

Accompanied by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust officials and a polar bear the mascot of the trust's Switch On campaign the mayor flicked the switch during a ceremony in Fore Street.

The Switch On campaign encourages communities to use energy wisely and protect Earth's precious resources.

If energy is wasted it increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air heating up the atmosphere and melting the polar ice caps the natural habitat of the polar bear.

Trust officials hope by highlighting how energy is wasted it will prompt Wiltshire towns and villages to hold energy-friendly events.

Cllr Bridges said he was pleased the switch-off was sending out a positive message.

"It's great to know the people of Wiltshire can help protect wildlife and save money on their fuel bills at the same time."

Project officer Nicola Sandell said it was the responsibility of every householder to help combat climate change."

Trowbridge lights were switched on by schoolboy George Galpin, eight, who won a design a lantern competition, watched by over 300 spectators.