THE run-up to Christmas got underway in Chester-le-Street tonight (Thursday, December 4) when the town’s festive lights were switched on.

A special free event was held by the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP) at the Market Place featuring town crier, Marjorie Dodds, who flicked the switch with help from three young competition winners.

There was also entertainment from stilt walkers, pantomime characters and the Ice Sisters, as well as carol singing.

The town’s traders are taking part in the national Small Business Day event on Saturday (December 6). The day is being organised by the AAP and the Chester-le-Street and District Business Association to promote the town and its traders.

It will feature live music and entertainment in the Market Place and there will be a free Santa’s grotto, facepainting and family activities in the Cornerstones Centre for the Community, next to the Methodist Church in North Burns, from 10am to 2pm.

There will be free parking after 10am on the day in car parks run by Durham County Council, but not car parks run by other organisations.

The council is also offering free parking at its car parks in the town each day during December after 3pm.

A children's drawing and painting competition and a competition for the best festive shop window display are also being run as part of the town’s festive celebrations.