Thousands of people filled Helston last night to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on.

In what is thought to have been one of the busiest switch on nights ever, the rain from earlier in the day held off during the event, which began at 5pm when the roads were closed to traffic and stalls began trading.

Father Christmas was there in is grotto, accompanied by his elf helpers, and there were festive tunes from a number of groups including Helston Town Band and Helston Town Concert Band, Cornish Roots jazz band and the Culdrose Military Choir.

In the Guildhall a Christmas market was held and many of the town’s businesses stayed open for late night shopping.

Shortly before 7.30pm, Helston businessman Bruce Taylor, compere for the evening, began the countdown to the lights switch on, with primary school pupil Autumn given the honour of pressing the plunger, on her sixth birthday.

As the town became illuminated, fireworks were set off from the Grylls Monument.