HUNDREDS turned out to see Swindon town centre's Christmas lights switched on Thursday night.

Rod, Jane and Freddy of the 1980s children's TV programme, Rainbow, performed the grand ceremony.

More than 300 people gathered outside Debenhams in The Parade to watch a laser show and festive dancing before a huge plunger was pushed to light up the streets.

The Mayor of Swindon, David Cox, and the town crier, Fred Ferris, were also there, as was a giant 10ft tall Santa Claus.

Coun Cox said: "I'm amazed at the amount of people here who have come to celebrate the switching on of the lights I think it's clear that Christmas starts tonight.

"It may have been going on commercially for a while, but it's when the kids start to participate and enjoy themselves that you know it's started.

"The magic of seeing the youngsters with so many smiles on their faces is brilliant. I love it."

Bernie Maguire, the town centre manager, said: "It's an excellent turnout for all the negative reports there have been about the Christmas lights.

"It's nice to see people getting behind the event and enjoying themselves."

Youngsters really enjoyed the show.

Jack Sutton, eight, from Stratton St Margaret was there with his parents to watch the switch on.

He said: "I've been looking forward to it all day. My favourite bit was seeing the giant Santa. The lights are going to look really good." The event was managed by Swindon Town Centre Manage- ment and a local radio station. The lights were sponsored by British Gas, while the laser show was sponsored by Tesco Extra.

Christmas celebrations will be stepped up at the weekend with the Christmas carnival parade, which begins at Regent Circus on Sunday from 10.30am.