Christmas celebrations in Handbridge and Westminster Park have been in full swing.

In Handbridge the Christmas celebration involved choirs from Queen’s Park High School, the Catholic High School and Overleigh St Mary’s Church of England Primary School.

Santa also arrived to meet children in his grotto and entries for a Christmas poster competition were displayed. The grotto was made by students from West Cheshire College.

At the Christmas lights switch on in Handbridge is councillor Razia Daniels, Matthew McLean, winner of a poster competition at Overleigh St Marys Church of England Primary School, Marjorie Meacock from Handbridge Community Association, Julie Rowland , chair of Chester Riverside Rotary Club and councillor Neil Sullivan

Festive residents gathered at Westminster Park shops to watch as the lights on the Christmas tree were switched on. Children from Belgrave Primary School sang carols while refreshments were served.

The majority of funding for both events came from the member budgets of Handbridge Park councillor Razia Daniels and councillor Neil Sullivan.

Councillor Daniels said: “It is great to see local groups coming together at this time of year to celebrate Christmas.

“These events are important to local areas and bring a sense of pride to a community. They take a lot of planning and co-ordinating by volunteers who are local residents who give up their time for their community so Councillor Sullivan and I are pleased to be able to help support them with our members budgets.”