Christmas came to Brandon last night as the town's festive lights were switched-on.

Scores of people braved the cold as they watched the Christmas tree light up along with a series of bulbs which outlined the old school house behind.

Pupils from Breckland Middle School, the Forest Academy and Glade Community Primary School gathered to sing a selection of carols and songs including Jungle Bells, Little Donkey and Away in a Manger, while the Churches Together Group led the crowd in a rousing version of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Brandon Town Council chairman Christine Mason said: 'It's one of the main things we do where lots of people gather together.

'All the schools come and they sing their carols and it's lovely. It's always a worry when they do the countdown but we tested the lights three times.

'Next year we're going to form a committee and have lights all down the High Street too. The Market Hill will be a civic area too and we'll have all the shops open.'

In a move which has become something of a tradition, the tree, on the Market Hill, was donated by the Elveden Estate.

Owner Lord Iveagh had the honour of pushing the button.

He said: 'Elveden Farms is a local business and we get to work with local communities and this is our local community.

'It's lovely to get people together and have a nice time and it's lovely to support the local town and have the tree in the middle for everyone to enjoy.'

Council chairman Geoff Hughes added: 'It's a time for the people of Brandon to come together and show we have a community spirit, even if it's not always shown.'