DARLINGTON market place was packed with hundreds of people – young and old – all getting into the festive spirit for the town's Christmas Lights switch-on.

Courtney Hadwin from The Kids Voice Final, Shanaya Atkinson-Jones from X-Factor, and Bubbles and Snow White from the Hippodrome’s panto all took to the stage to keep the massive crowd entertained until the special guest of the evening arrived to hit the big red button.

And right on cue, as Shakin' Stevens could be heard singing Merry Christmas Everyone, Santa switched the lights on before fireworks lit up the sky around the town centre.

In the build up to the switch-on, people were able to enjoy funfair rides, listen to carol singers and enjoy a taste of street food.

Following the firework display members of Hurworth Concert band provided entertainment while visitors were able to browse through a number of market stalls on High Row.

Among the visitors in the town centre was Sharon Bates, 34, from Darlington, who was there with her six-year-old son Thomas.

He said: "It was really good – I liked the fireworks and seeing Santa."

To keep people in the festive spirit there will be Children’s Carol Singing from 10.30am to noon, with pupils from St Augustine’s and Gurney Pease Academy, performing tomorrow morning.