Hundreds of families celebrated the beckoning of the festive season tonight as Attleborough turned on its Christmas lights.

Thousands of brightly coloured bulbs lit up the town centre trees and shop fronts, while St Mary's Church was bathed in blue and green light with a shooting star visible at the top of its tower.

Town Mayor Karen Pettitt said few towns in Norfolk could rival the spectacle of Attleborough's Christmas lights.

'It's one of the best in Norfolk, no doubt about that. All I hope is that the people of Attleborough like it and they seemed to have enjoyed it. At the end of the day it is for them and the children,' she said.

The big switch-on had been preceded by carol singing from the Poringland Singers and local school children, while Rev Matthew Jackson blessed the Christmas tree in Queen's Square.

Actor Martin Ballantyne, who has starred in blockbusters such as The Dark Knight and The Golden Compass, also joined in the countdown alongside community leaders from across the area including Breckland Council chairman Nigel Wilkin.

During the festivities, which lasted throughout the afternoon and evening, children had the chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and enjoy fun fair rides and a Punch and Judy show.

Norwich Time Travellers were also exhibiting some of their memorabilia, including a few scary Daleks.

Visitors also took the opportunity to pick up a few Christmas presents by browsing more than 60 craft and charity stalls spread across the Town Hall, the sports centre and Connaught Hall with the Eastern Transport Collection providing a vintage bus to ferry people between the venues.

The EACH charity shop, in Exchange Street, won the best dressed window competition with its recreation of the famous flying scene from The Snowman.

Mrs Pettitt said many local businesses had supported the event and wished to thank main sponsors Donna Kissinger Estate Agents and Rory Holbrook Ltd.