MIDDLEWICH residents got into the festive spirit at the weekend when the town's lights were switched on and an ice rink was set up.

Father Christmas arrived at the Bull Ring to oversee the switch on by Mayor Jean Eaton, while youngsters from Middlewich and St Mary's Primary and Cledford Junior schools brought proceedings to an end with a carol concert, moved indoors to St Michael and All Angels Church because of the inclement weather.

And on Sunday, the winter fun continued with an ice rink in the Bull Ring. Organiser Dave Thompson said: ''It was very popular. The weather wasn't great, but we had about 200-300 there through the course of the day. The highlight was the three schools coming together for a wonderful concert on Saturday.'

* Father Christmas begins his journey around Middlewich tonight.

Middlewich and District Round Table members will act as his guide, handing out sweets as they go around the area between then and December 21.

The route on Tuesday (6-8.30pm) will see Father Christmas visiting Maidenhills, Livingstone Way, Davenham Way, Sycamore Drive, Venables Way, Cross Lane, Alexandra Road, Booth Lane and Lewin Street.