Three west Wiltshire towns have marked the run-up to Christmas with a festive lights switch-on.

Despite damp weather, revellers lined the streets of Warminster, Melksham and Westbury at the weekend for an evening of festive cheer.

More than 400 people lined the streets of Warminster on Friday night to see mayor Joan Main and Santa flick the switch to illuminate the town, while town crier Phil Seddon acted as compere.

The evening saw the crowd entertained by Kooky the Clown, and back by popular demand, Hamish the Juggler and Dean the Fire-eater.

Refreshments came courtesy of a hot dog van and Warminster Lions Club's candyfloss machine and the Athenaeum opened its doors to offer mulled wine and mince pies.

Organisers say this year's display, which now covers more of Station Road and Silver Street, are better than ever.

Town clerk Alan Richardson said: "It stopped raining about 5.30pm, which certainly helped swell the crowds. The town crier acted as the PA person on the night and was as loud as he usually is.

"The children all received sweets from Father Christmas."

Hundreds of people descended on Melksham for Saturday's festive fayre and switch-on.

Revellers bought stocking fillers from street stalls and in the assembly hall excited children told Santa about their Christmas wishes.

Melksham Family of Churches sang Christmas carols and there were plenty of children's attractions including a train ride.

Mayor Terri Welch helped youngsters empty a postbox full of letters for Father Christmas before the carnival princess and her attendants switched on the lights.

Cllr Welch said: "We were sweating buckets because we thought there was going to be heavy rain but thankfully it eased up. It was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

"Father Christmas was one of the victims of the weather. Because of his advancing age we didn't want to expose him to the elements so he was moved into the assembly hall."

Anyone who wanted to wrack their brains during the evening took part in Jill Gibbons Christmas quiz. Over the last 19 years, her questions have raised £7,675 for the Bath Cancer Unit.

Melksham shops are being urged to dress up their windows for the festive season. Judging will start on Monday and a trophy will be presented to the trader with the best display.

Carol singers heralded the Westbury Christmas lights on Friday as over 500 people packed the High Street.

A choir from Westbury Infants School sang carols while pupil Matthew Blackman, seven, was given the honour of turning on the lights, just two days after his birthday.

Headteacher Jan Ball, said: "He was absolutely delighted and was literally jumping for joy when he we told him. We put all the names into a hat and his came out. It was lovely to see his face."

The lights will brighten up the Market Place, the High Street, Maristow Street, Edward Street, Warminster Road and Haynes Road.

Mayor Horace Prickett said: "The children's choir were fantastic, they sang their little hearts out.

"They even sang impromptu for a further 10 minutes and there must have been over 500 people packed into the High Street."

Mince pies, sweets and drinks donated by Coopers, Co-op supermarket and The Three Cooks were dished out to revellers.

Westbury Lions organised a Father Christmas, while a Christmas tree bought by the town council with donations from local pubs has now been moved into place in the Market Place.

The tree was put up using a crane donated by Lafarge Cement Works and Rygor Group from the West Wilts Trading Estate.