THE magic of Christmas reached Warminster when the festive lights were switched on.

An energetic performance from Marco the Clown kept the big crowd entertained before the mayor Chris March pushed the plunger to light up the streets.

The town band played traditional carols and children bounced along to pop songs, which pounded out of speakers supplied by WCR Community Radio.

After the switch-on, Santa Claus arrived and handed out sweets on the Warminster Lions' Christmas float.

Digby Barker, a spokesman for the charity, said: "We are planning to go on 16 different routes this year. It's amazing how many people, young and old, say that they know Christmas is finally here when the float appears."

Traders brighten up their festive window displays, and for the first time, the best design was recognised by the Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

To ensure there was no bias, the mayors of Warminster and Westbury swapped towns to choose the winners. Cordens in High Street won top prize in Warminster and owner Andrew James received a shield dedicated to Sheila Toomey, the chamber's former president who died in October.

"The window decorations were a team effort and it's an honour to receive the shield, as I had a lot of respect for Sheila. She was a driving force in the chamber," said Mr James.

The lights committee invested thousands of pounds in this year's lights, and chairman Len Turner said it was the best display ever.

He said: "The traders help pay for the display and we had a wonderful contribution from the Full Motley band, who raised £2,000."