Despite the snow and slippery roads, more than a thousand people gathered in Fakenham Market Place for the town's annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Celebrity chef Chris Coubrough, from ITV's Coastal Kitchen, flicked the switch at 5pm on Saturday after an afternoon of entertainment and fun.

The Flying Kiwi, who lives in North Norfolk, got the crowds shouting and cheering, telling them that Norfolk felt like his home.

This year the town centre is lit up with new, brighter LED lights, which last longer and use one 10th of the power of filament lights.

They were bought with money raised by the Fakenham Area Partnership (FAP), with the support of other organisations including Kickstart Fakenham.

Treacherous driving conditions saw the fairground amusements cancelled, but there was plenty to keep people of all ages occupied, with charity stalls, stands and hot refreshments all on offer.

There were also performances from Fakenham High School and College, Fakenham Infant School and the nursery school, with pupils performing pantomime sketches and Christmas songs.

Fakenham mayor and FAP co-ordinator Janet Holdom said: 'The funfair attractions started out but didn't make it. They were coming from Wymondham with some rather large vehicles, so I fully understand. I was worried, but we had a lot more people than I expected.'

The evening was rounded-off with a firework display sponsored by Lawnwise and Lesiure in Fakenham.

A grand raffle held on the night raised �700 for FAP.