THE countdown to Christmas began when Santa Claus turned on Alton's Christmas lights on Friday.

The Market Square was packed for the annual ceremony which began with traditional Christmas music, played by Classy Brassy – four young musicians from Amery Hill School.

Brass players Ollie Williams, Patrick Friend, Nick Budd and Tim Handley, paved the way for an hour of musical entertainment, introduced by Alton Town Crier Stan Whitcher and presented by compere Paul Le Feuvre.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.