Hundreds of people have enjoyed the Lowestoft Christmas lights switch-on this afternoon.

A large crowd gathered in the town centre at 5pm as the lights were turned on by Coronation Street star Nigel Pivaro, Britain's Got Talent Finalist Christopher Stone and Lowestoft mayor Nick Webb.

After a 30 second count down the lights blazed in action along the town centre and on a real Christmas tree - a sight not seen in the town for many years.

After switching on the festival illuminations Nigel told the hundreds of people looking on: 'Merry Christmas, have a good, have a peaceful one.'

Nigel, who plays Terry Duckworth, and Christopher are both set to star in the Marina Theatre's pantomime Aladdin, which starts on December 18.

After the switch-on a long queue of people formed at the Marina Theatre as they waited to meet Nigel and Christopher and get their autographs and photographs taken with them.

Emma King, town centre manager for the Lowestoft Town Centre Management Partnership, was delighted the event had been a great success with a large crowd turning up despite some rain.

She said: 'It is another show of how the town pulls together for the good of Lowestoft.'