Gorleston high street was filled with a mixture of elation and triumph as the Christmas lights went on after months of tireless work by local traders.

Star of TV talent show The Voice Toni Warne pushed the button to light up Gorleston High Street, singing a Jessie J number to culminate a day of entertainment put on by the Gorleston Traders Association (GTA) who have worked hard to revive the tradition for the town.

From 1pm the High Street was filled with families enjoying traditional fairground attractions such as a coconut shy and rides with music from local acts on the stage.

Market stalls sold everything from nachos to giant waffles on sticks and game staff members from the shops owned by the GTA committee donned Mickey Mouse and Father Christmas suits, with a Santa's Grotto in Fusion Hair - owned by Kevin Huggins, one of the six strong GTa - proving popular, where the presents for the children were donated by the hairdresser.

Mr Huggins said: 'We've got a good crowd, it has worked. To see a crowd like this down Gorleston High Street is phenomenal.'

Victor Ling of Barkers Photographic is chairman of GTA. Mr Ling said: 'There were a few times when we were going to cancel, it has been hard, lots of sleepless nights but we got there in the end and we are just looking to build on it with a St George's Day celebration. Gorleston tends to get forgotten about but it deserves this.'