A north Suffolk town turned on its Christmas lights last night, spreading festive cheer around the community.

Hundreds of people gathered in Beccles to watch town mayor Brian Woodruff switch on the lights.

Wearing a Santa's hat, Mr Woodruff said being asked to switch the lights on was 'a great honour'.

He added: 'The lights aren't just to make Beccles pretty, they are here so Santa can spot Beccles from the air.'

Live entertainment wowed audiences throughout the night, with performances from local bands and choirs.

Best friends Tom Holloway, 32, of Norwich, and Faye Richardson, 31, of Beccles, enjoyed the excitement with Miss Richardson's two-year-old daughter Olivia. Miss Richardson said: 'It's exciting to come and watch the Christmas lights being switched on. The atmosphere is always lovely.' Mr Holloway added: 'Olivia was amazed at all the lights and toys. It's nice seeing it thorough her eyes.'

The Christmas late night shopping event also made a return with a thriving street fair and many stores, pubs and restaurants opening late.

With the main streets being closed off to traffic, food and drink stalls lined the streets.

The annual Hungate Christmas Tree Festival also opened last night and as an extension of the festival the Sir John Leman High School gospel choir will be performing tonight. The concert, entitled 'singing among the Christmas trees', is taking place at 7pm in aid of Maua Hospital in Kenya. Tickets are priced �5 and may be obtained in advance on 01502 712832 or at the door.

- Click the top right hand corner of the page to view a photo gallery of the event.