CHRISTMAS cheer filled Bromsgrove when the seasonal illuminations were switched on during a ceremony on Saturday.

Thousands of townspeople turned out to see the sparkling lights extravaganza in the town.

Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) officially pressed the switch outside the Golden Cross Hotel to light up Bromsgrove.

He was joined by Santa Claus, and Fairfield First School students Isobel Billau and Luke Staniland.

There was also a lantern procession by children from Meadows First School.

Revellers enjoyed an evening of festive fun following the switch-on, including a performance of Christmas carols by pupils from the Mount School in Bromsgrove.

There was also a puppet show, face painting and traditional crafts on sale, with music provided by Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets and the town's Samba band, Someone at the Door.

Cllr Gill said later: "I would like to thank everyone who turned up and made it such a great success, especially the children who helped switch on the lights and the others who walked with me in the lantern procession.

"I would also like to thank the Sea Cadets who provided some of the music."

Rubery will sparkle into life on Saturday when the Christmas lights are switched on outside the local police station, at 5pm.