The countdown to Christmas began in Epsom and Ewell with the lights being switched on at the Market Place and the Ashley Centre.

The mayor, Councillor Liz Frost, switched the Christmas tree and clock tower lights on at 7pm on Thursday, November 23, at an event that raised £354.91 for the mayor’s charities – Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell, The Sunnybank Trust and the Lower Mole Countryside Trust.

Hundreds of people also flocked to The Ashley Centre on Saturday, November 18 to take part in the free entertainment, music and annual Christmas lights switch-on show.

Stilt walkers, face painters, balloon modellers and roaming entertainers kept visitors enthralled throughout the day before the Epsom Playhouse pantomime Cinderella cast arrived to perform for the crowd.

They were joined by Father Christmas and Ashley Bear to turn the festive lights on.

On Sunday, November 19, children came in dressed as a prince or princess and had their photos taken in the magical Cinderella carriage – three lucky families then won tickets to the pantomime.