Sheringham town centre sparkled with festive spirit when a team of youngsters led the count-down at the annual switch-on ceremony, revealing £2,500-worth of new lights.

Strung around Sheringham Little Theatre, the twinkling white lights were bought with the proceeds of a variety show and auction organised by carnival vice-chairman Paul Starling and his 'Lights Up' team.

The two events, which raised more than £6,000, paid for a new display for the theatre, as well as two carnival marquees, which also got their first outing on Friday - providing cover for an outdoor stage.

Hundreds turned out for the switch-on, which featured attractions including traditional stalls selling hot chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies, as well as charity stands, a hog roast and a face painting stall.

Entertainment was provided Sheringham Primary School teacher Becky Robinson and a cast of pupils, who gave a performance based on the C S Lewis novel The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, with the school choir, who were accompanied by Salvation Army band members, delighting crowds with songs ranging from the specially-written 'O Little Town of Sheringham', to the traditional carol, It Was on a Starry Night.

Youngsters also had a chance to visit Father Christmas in his town clock 'grotto', before town crier Tony Nelson announced the countdown to the big switch-on, which saw crowds showered with confetti and artificial snow.

Entertainment for adults continued into the evening with live music and a laser and light show on Lifeboat Plain.

Mr Starling thanked all those who supported the event, which, he said, had been made more special by the addition of the new lights.

The Lights Up team, who gave a performance of a specially-written, Sheringham-themed song at the switch-on, are now planning more fundraising events, including a second variety show next year.

'We were really shocked and pleased to see just how much we raised,' Mr Starling said. 'It was a huge team effort and, hopefully, the new lights will brighten the town up, bring more people in and help put Sheringham on the map.'