A GRAND national hero brought a touch of festive magic to the Royal Wootton Bassett Christmas light switch on this year.

Bob Champion, who lived up to his name when he triumphed in the 1981 Grand National, flicked the switch to ignite Christmas snowflakes, stars and trees across the town.

Jingle bells were in the air as festive favourites including Bing Crosby’s White Christmas set the scene before the switch on.

Hundreds of Christmas shoppers flooded the town centre to watch a selection of holiday entertainment on stage, including angelic carol singing from the Longleaze Primary School choir.

Jol Rose, who lives in Bassett, said he was impressed with the amount of festive activities aimed at children at the light switch-on.

“It was chock-a-block full of people this year and everyone had a great time getting ready for Christmas and watching all the entertainment.

“There was a Santa’s Grotto which was fantastic for the children and they all really enjoyed it.

“It really got people feeling festive and it made everyone happy to be there. The lights look beautiful as well.”

Jol said the highlight of his evening was seeing the hard work put in by Longleaze Primary.

“They did a really excellent job and they sang beautifully. It was the perfect way to start the celebrations,” he said.

A full-blown winter wonderland got more than 400 visitors in the festive spirit as they queued round the block.

Shoppers got in the holiday spirit at a Christmas market featuring a selection of tinsel-laden treats including decorations, mince pies, eggnog and candy canes got early Christmas shoppers in the holiday spirit.

A hog roast rounded off the day’s events as the countdown to Christmas began.