St Keverne square was filled with festivities on Friday for the switching on of the village Christmas lights.

The evening began with pupils from St Keverne School parading through the village with handmade paper lanterns.

They then assembled in front of the Christmas tree for the official opening by Janet Patterson, chair of the lights committee this year, who thanked the lights committee members for all their hard work in the run up to the switch on and over the year.

She gave a special thank you to the Three Tuns pub, St Keverne Parish Council and St Keverne Farmers' Market for their donations, as well as Steven Hiorns for his help, the electricians who gave up their time to ensure all the lights were working, the Temperance House for its electric supply and the Richards family for once again donating the large village tree, along with everyone in the village for their support on switch-on night.

After her speech the schoolchildren sang a number of carols and Christmas songs in front of the lit up tree.

Just as they finished a special guest appeared, as Father Christmas could be seen waving from up in the churchyard.

He then took up residence in his grotto to give every child a free gift.

Out in the square, St Keverne Band played carols while people were encouraged to guess the name of a teddy and the weight of a Christmas cake donated by Tracey Emberton, as well as enjoy something from the barbecue or a glass of mulled wine. The evening also saw the grand Christmas raffle drawn, for which top prize was £100 in cash.

The switch-on night and raffle raised £1,315.50, making a profit of £565.

Lights treasurer Michelle Paterson said when this figure was added to all the donations, things were looking good for an even bigger and better display next year.

She also thanked St Keverne Band and the village schoolchildren for their performances on Friday.