Ref. 28185-12MORE than 500 people braved the cold on Monday to see the switching on of Cricklade's Christmas lights.

The event was organised by the Cricklade Business Association, which supports local firms.

The Cricklade Band provided the musical accompaniment and performed a wide range of traditional Christmas carols.

Children had an early visit from Santa, too, as he led a lantern procession on his sleigh.

Bob Jones, the chairman of the association, said: "I am totally overwhelmed by the number of people who came out and supported this event.

"Events like this really bring the people together in the spirit of Christmas.

"The sight of seeing 500 people singing Jingle Bells was fantastic."

New lights in the town and Monday's events were partly funded by North Wiltshire District Council's development fund.