The community came out in force on Friday to help switch on Porthleven's Christmas lights.

Large crowds of people congregated at the Harbour Head, wrapped up warmly against the cold but dry night.

They were treated to carols and other seasonal tunes from Porthleven Town Band, while they waited for the switch on.

This year, Andy and Jean Pengelly, who run Porthleven's Costcutter store, were given the honour of switching on the display.

They have been collecting for the lights fund all year, through the sale of carrier bags in store - raising £2,500.

Also making donations this year have been port gift shop Lindy Lou and Roland's Happy Plaice fish and chip shop, with a sizeable amount coming from an auction at the Porthleven Food Festival.

With the port aglow with coloured lights it was time for a fireworks display to celebrate, before the arrival Father Christmas. He handed out sweets to the children, with the help of his merry team of elves.

Sweets were donated by Porthleven Post Office, with Tesco in Helston also supplying goods.

It was the final year of being in charge for chairman Roger Taft, who is now standing down from leading the lights committee.

He described this year's event as "absolutely brilliant," adding: "It couldn't have worked better. Everyone was on time and it was very well supported."

Mr Taft, who will be 77 at his next birthday, said he now felt the time was right to hand over to someone younger, saying: "I've enjoyed it so much - I'm really peeved that I can't carry on, but I wouldn't be doing it justice or myself justice."