Sports stars helped get Wymondham in the festive spirit tonight when the town's Christmas lights were switched on.

Former Norwich City striker Iwan Roberts and Paralympian Danny Nobbs attended the celebrations after being invited by Les King to the Star Throwers charity shop in the town.

Hundreds gathered around the Market Cross on a chilly evening for the switching on of the illuminations by Father Christmas, with the help of Wymondham mayor Robert Savage and DJ Tom Kay from the Radio Norwich breakfast show.

Children from local schools led a sing-along of carols to launch the Christmas fair, followed by a candle-lit procession from Town Green to the Market Place.

The lights switch-on event was organised by the Wymondham Lions Club, with all the proceeds going to the club's nominated charities and good causes.

Daniel Cox, who coordinated the fair, said: 'It is fantastic to see so many people out in the town centre enjoying themselves. The weather has held off and the town is lit up and looks beautiful.'

'It has been organised by Wymondham Lions for over 25 years and raises �2,000 for the Lions and the money will be spent on a range of good causes, both locally and nationally.'

This year's switch-on covered a wider area of the town, with Iwan Roberts and Danny Nobbs attracting fans and autograph hunters by being based in the Star Throwers cancer charity shop in Middleton Street. Many shops and businesses opened their doors late for the event and families queued in Wharton's Court to see Santa in his grotto.