Children and families filled the streets of Kingston last night as crowds flocked to the town centre for the Christmas light switch-on.

Clarence Street's lights were switched on after a lively countdown at 6pm, followed by dancing in the streets to Christmas classics.

Even the mayor of Kingston, Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock found time to dance with Santa on the Radio Jackie stage.

The German market was a popular choice for all those wanting a warming glass of mulled wine, and the smells of Bratkartoffeln filled the square.

The Bentall Centre also got involved in the Christmas action, with Harry Potter lookalikes posing for photographs with children.

Ethan Hurley-Love, five, who dressed up as his hero Harry Potter for the occasion, said: "It was really good. He said hi to me. I dress up like him at home."

Memorial Gardens was converted into a facepainting haven for children, with Chelsea FC offering budding footballers a go at a penalty-style shootout.

A spokesman for town centre managers Kingston First said they were really pleased with how the night went.