FATHER Christmas got a helping hand from three of TV's best loved children's characters when he switched on the Christmas lights at the Designer Outlet Village.
Pokemon friends Pikachu, Poliwhirl and Charmeleon helped Santa push the plunger, illuminating hundreds of fairy lights around the shopping centre.
Children and adults looked on as the zany trio started the Christmas countdown on Thursday.
Elsewhere in Swindon, preparations are being made for the town centre switch-on ceremony.
Panto star Aleetza Atwood of TV's Home and Away will do the honour in an early evening ceremony outside British Home Stores.
Also on Thursday, November 23, the Evening Advertiser's Skyguys will be inflated over the Brunel Centre.
Each of the five 12 foot festive characters will be illuminated every night until Christmas Eve.
A Christmas carol concert sponsored by the Evening Advertiser will also take place at 6pm outside Debenhams. All are welcome to join in.
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