NEIGHBOURS decided to hold their very own Christmas lights switch on in their street to turn on their festive lights.

Father Christmas, his elf and a reindeer paid a special visit to Victoria Street to hand gifts to children.

About 60 people living in the street in Barbourne enjoyed hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies as festive music played.

The party was partly funded with a £100 grant from Worcester City Council.

Janine Stephens, one of the organisers, said: "We held one last year to cheer everyone up because we were in lockdown.

"We had a visit from Father Christmas and Alma Bear and presents for the children.

"We decided it would be great to do it again this year and we had a lot of people asking if it was going ahead again.

"It is really nice because people who live on their own especially with lockdown came out and got to know their neighbours.

"The best thing is we've had quite a few people move into the road over the last year so this was a good chance to get to know their neighbours."

Father Christmas arrived to great fanfare and handed out presents to children living in the street.

Worcester News:

Mrs Stephens thanked everyone who came out to enjoy the event and also the city council for the grant.

"When we saw the street party grant we thought it would be good to buy gifts for all the children because there were lots of children who came out last year.

"It was great to have money to buy things like mince pies and hot chocolate."

There are plans for a street party to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next year.