Nearly 500 Christmas fans were in Mullion on Saturday for the lighting up of the village tree.

This year the honour of performing the switch on went to Santa himself, who was greeted with delight by the children of the village.

He handed out gifts to the crowds before heading to the tree outside the gates of the parish church to flick the switch.

Ahead of his arrival St Mellanus Singers were entertaining the crowds with carols, while Gweek Silver Band also performed some festive favourites.

Keeping villagers warm during the evening were the Lizard 2000 Club serving bacon baps and Hattons Spar shop handing out cups of mulled wine.

Meanwhile in the chapel schoolroom the Monday Club sold soup and rolls, with the money raised going to Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The event included the lighting up of the Christmas tree festival in the Methodist chapel, which took place after the outdoor switch on.

This year’s theme for the festival has been ‘Saints & Angels’, with all the trees decorated using this as inspiration.

After giving people a chance to enjoy a look at the trees, Gweek Silver Band continued the evening’s festivities by performing an hour’s concert in the chapel.

Tom Symons, who leads the village lights committee, described the evening as “absolutely superb,” adding: “Thanks to everybody that supported us.”

In particular he thanked the Polurrian Hotel for supplying the tree and the Mounts Bay Inn, the event’s main sponsors.

Between September and Christmas the raffles at the pub’s quiz nights raise money for the lights display and each year owners Peter and Cheryl Tonkin provide lunch for the ‘lighting gang’ who put up the lights.