CHRISTMAS kicked off in sparkling style in Badshot Lea with the grand switching-on of the village’s new Christmas lights.

More than 300 people flocked to the village infants school to countdown to the Mayor of Farnham, Mike Hodge, turning on the lights, as well as enjoying carols, hot dogs, hot chocolate, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

The new lights, adorning the school and a tree outside St George’s Church, have been paid for by Farnham Town Council as part of an expansion of the town’s festive display.

Gemma Bull, headteacher at Badshot Lea School, said afterwards: “It was wonderful, such an amazing, real community event.

“We had lots of children and families from the school, but also members of the Badshot Lea community. It was really incredible, I didn’t realise there was so many people in Badshot Lea!”

Mrs Bull thanked the school’s PTA for supplying the food and drink, and Squire’s Garden Centre for the roasted chestnuts, as well as TS Swiftsure’s band at St George’s Church choir for performing on the night.

The event raised more than £300 to be split between the school and St George’s Church, and Mrs Bull also reserved praise for Farnham Town Council, for funding the new lights and supporting the switch-on event.