IN the flick of a switch Wroughton residents welcomed in the Christmas season, illuminating the shopping centre with hundreds of pretty lights.

More than 200 residents packed the Ellendune Centre to watch the ceremony.

At 7pm 26 mini trees lining the centre and a giant 40ft tree burst into colour as the crowd applauded.

One of the organisers, Tim Benson, said the ceremony really marked the start of the festive season in Wroughton.

"It's pretty spectacular and certainly gets people in the Christmas mood," he said.

After admiring the lights, which were funded through donations from local businesses, residents made their way to the Ellendune Hall.

There they were entertained by the Wroughton Silver Band and sang Christmas Carols led by singing group Opus 1.

Even Father Christmas made an appearance.

Tim said: "It was all down to the generosity of those who donated to the lights. I would like to say a big thank you to all those who helped put them up too."

Villagers came up with the idea of funding their own decorations last year.

Tim said the decorations provided by the council had passed their sell by and needed livening up.