Christmas has come to Badshot Lea, accompanied by Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and Farnham’s Mayor and Mayoress Cllr George and Jacoba Murray.

They joined the children of Badshot Lea Village Infant School and their families and friends at St George’s Church on Monday, November 17 when the village lights were switched on.

The school choir performed a selection of Christmas songs before everyone joined in with a loud countdown to the mayor and Father Christmas jointly pressing a button, and the school and trees in the church garden lighting up.

There were fireworks and cheers before everyone returned to the church for hot dogs, hot chocolate, mulled wine and biscuits.

Overall, there was general agreement with Gemma Ball, the local school’s headteacher, who announced: “Christmas has begun!”