A 'real town effort' has helped bring the magic of Christmas to Swaffham.

The market town's annual lights switch-on saw hundreds of families brave the cold weather to join in festive carols and fairground games, enjoy dance performances and spread Christmas cheer.

Paul Hollywood look-alike Alan Sagrott got the festivities under way while KLFM presenter Simon Rowe pressed the button to make the town sparkle, and Santa arrived on his sleigh to be visited by more than 150 children in his grotto at the Assembly Rooms.

There was also a Christmas market and many of the town centre businesses stayed open to give shoppers the chance to buy gifts for loved ones.

Town clerk Richard Bishop said: 'We were very pleased with the turnout. A lot of planning goes into the switch-on event, people donate their services free of charge and donate raffle prizes. It's a really good town effort and it's a nice thing to be involved in.'

He added: 'It welcomes people to Swaffham, showcases what we have got here and shows that we are open for business.'