Celebrations to switch on the Christmas lights in the Northgate Village and Kingsway were enjoyed by the whole community.

Lord Mayor Bob Rudd and Lady Mayoress Sandra Rudd attended both events which were supported by local councillors Tom Parry and Adrian Walmsley from their member budgets.

At the Kingsway lights switch on is; Pauline Brown, councillor Adrian Walmsley, Lord Mayor Bob Rudd, Father Christmas, Lady Mayoress Sandra Rudd, councillor Tom Parry, Ann Charlton, chair of the Kingsway and Newton Residents Association and Libby and Emily who won the competition to turn on the lights

Carol singing was led by the Salvation Army and refreshments were provided by the Northgate Village Residents Association.

In Kingsway visitors enjoyed a festive market, craft stalls and Santa’s Grotto. There was also carol singing, led by St Michael’s Church. Refreshments were provided by Kingsway and Newton Residents Association, the Community Café and Mel’s Café.

Councillor Parry said: “Councillor Walmsley and I are again delighted to fund these Christmas events from our Member Budgets.

“Judging by the large numbers of spectators turning out on very cold evenings, clearly the communities of Northgate Village and the Kingsway area very much welcome the festive spirit that the tree switch-ons generate.

“We were honoured this year to have the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress as our guests at both events.”