BRADFORD ON AVON came to a standstill when a crowd packed the town centre to watch Jango the Clown switch on the Christmas lights on Tuesday.

Children from Christ Church, Fitzmaurice, Winsley and Westwood Schools took part in a competition to design a poster about Chirstmas and the two winners helped Jango with the switch-on while fellow pupils sang carols around the town.

Shops stayed open until 8pm for the annual late-night shopping event.

Caroline Philpott, Chamber of Commerce President, said: "Trade has been excellent I watched the lights being switched on and was literally like looking out over a sea of people.

"This is the only late night shopping evening we do in the run up to Christmas so we have to make sure we make the most of it."

Jango toured the town making balloon animals for children and stalls in Church Street and Silver Street gave away free mulled wine and mince pies.

Trowbridge Youth Band played carols in The Shambles and children got the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.