Christmas spirits were high in Royal Wootton Bassett as thousands turned up to see the lights switched on by eight-year-old Lily Parker.

Town mayor Steve Watts said: “It was mind boggling for my first time being mayor and seeing the crowd turn out, it was just amazing.

“Lily won the mayor’s Christmas card competition.

“The evening was perfect and seeing her face when she switched on the lights was just fantastic.

“It was out first year doing the competition it was suggested by the last mayor, Steve Bucknell, but we only started it this Christmas.

He added: “It was really something to remember, I will never forget it.”

Christmas stalls were set up along the High Street full of food, tasters, drinks and gifts.

Once the lights were illuminated everyone gathered in the high street sang carols together.

Children got the chance to chat to Santa Claus at his grotto and have their face painted.