Christmas has officially begun in Flushing with the switching on of the village lights - despite a mishap in the process.

The event opened with a lantern parade involving pupils from Flushing Primary School, before there was singing from Nankersey Male Choir.

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Five year old Alex Mullins gets to meet Santa. Picture by Colin Higgs

Father Christmas was also there in his grotto with presents for the children and there was a Christmas market in the Village Club.

The lights were switched on by Cornish favourite Betty Stogs (aka Fred Thomas) of Skinner’s Brewery - although she proved her strength by accidentally breaking the switch in the process. 

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Betty Stogs turns on the lights (breaking the switch in the process.) Picture by Colin Higgs

She was invited back to the village after helping out earlier in the year during Flushing Regatta week, commentating on the raft race and leading the carnival.

As part of the switch on, the Flushing Regatta committee presented Betty with a cheque for £554, some of the proceeds from the event back in the summer, which will go towards her London Marathon fundraising next year in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

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Amanda Masters of Little Harbour and Betty Stogs recieve a cheque for £554.00 from Chris Martin of the Flushing Regatta committee. Picture by Colin Higgs

Fred said: “It was a great night. The weather was good, the choir sang well and it was good to see all the youngsters there with the lanterns.

“I was chuffed to bits to have the cheque for that sort of money presented to me for the children’s hospice, towards my run.

“It was a good night – although a bit cold in the outfit!”

He is hoping to raise £10,000 for the charity and has set up an online donation site at virginmoneygiving.com/FredThomas2.

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Flushing is now lit up for Christmas. Picture by Colin Higgs

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Children from Flushing school sing at the switch on. Picture by Colin Higgs