Special Constable David Kimber and Amesbury community beat officer WPC Sian Alward meet some colourful characters at the Amesbury Christmas lights switch-on last week.CHRISTMAS in Amesbury is brighter than ever this year - thanks to £20,000-worth of new lights and colourful festive displays.

The lights have been funded by Amesbury town council and, when they were officially switched on last Wednesday evening, proud Mayor Allan Peach declared: "I think this year we are outshining Salisbury."

"It might seem a lot of money to spend on decorations but we now have professional lights that will last for years.

"It is an investment in the future."

Celebrations to mark the switch-on were organised by the town council, the Rotary Club of Amesbury and local traders, and they included a street market of charity stalls selling crafts, toys, preserves and Christmas cards.

There was also a roundabout and an inflatable slide for the children and, in the Co-op car park, members of Amesbury Town Band - sporting Santa hats - played Christmas carols.

As in past years, the highlight of the celebrations was Santa riding through the town on his sleigh, complete with reindeer and helpers.

Hundreds of excited children, with parents and grandparents, packed into the town centre for the festivities and a delighted Mr Peach said: "I think this is a record crowd and the best Christmas switch-on we have had."