Christmas lights have put a smile on the faces of young and old across the county.

In Wells-next-the-Sea BBC's David Whitely, his wife Amelia Reynolds and daughter Cleo helped to spread the cheer by switching on the twinkling trimmings which decorate the streets.

This year marked the first 'Wells Christmas Tide Festival' run by the town's Christmas lights committee and is set to entertain visitors with nine days of festive fun.

Saturday saw a packed day which included the opening of the skating rink, cookery demonstrations, children's entertainment, finished off with the light switch-on in the main street.

John Troup, Christmas lights committee member, said: 'The switch-on was a great success. There were hundreds of people on the main street in Wells.

'David Whitely has traditionally turned the lights on. He has got quite a lot of affection for the town.

'It was probably busier this year than it was last year. It seemed there were more people in the street, bearing in mind there were so many other things going on nearby.'

The programme of events will hit a climax on Saturday with a parade from the Buttlands to the quay to greet Santa and will culminate on Sunday with an 'hour of seasonal joy' with the 'ladies of St Nicholas Church'.