FESTIVE cheers plentifu around The Square on Friday as the Petersfield's Christmas lights were turned on.

The big switch-on was the highlight of a wonderful evening of music, fun and celebration that raised over £400 for Children in Need.

Pudsey may have been hibernating but the atmosphere was electric as around 1,500 people gathered in the town centre for the event.

Father Christmas and his wife were joined on stage by mayor Mary Vincent and MP Damian Hinds just before the 7pm deadine for the switch-on.

Mr Hinds told the crowd that he wanted this December to be a great one for shopkeepers and wished the crowd a Merry Christmas.

For full story and more pictures from the Christmas lights switch-on, see this week's Petersfield Herald.