Hundreds of people lined the streets of Penryn on Saturday night to mark the start of town’s Christmas celebrations as the lights were switched on.

Despite heavy rain throughout the day up to an hour before the switch on, crowds still came out in force to support the work of the Christmas lights committee, meet Father Christmas and enjoy the festivities.

Michael Moore, a member of the committee, said that the event proved a success.

“I would have thought there were several hundred there,” he said.

“I’m pleased with that knowing how much it rained. People must have remembered that we always put the lights up whatever the weather.”