FERRYHILL was illuminated with seasonal cheer yesterday when it hosted its annual Christmas fair and the switching on of the festive lights.

Children twinkled as the paraded through the Market Place as part of a candle lit procession from St Luke's Church to Ferryhill Town Hall, where the lights ceremony took place.

Dean Bank Primary School pupil Sophie Warwick carried out the formalities.

This year saw the introduction of decorations around the Town Hall and its gardens, which have been installed as the second phase of a three-year £20,000 investment in lights in the town.

During the day there was a market, craft fair, fairground rides, entertainment and the town had a visit from Father Christmas who spoke to youngsters in a grotto at the Town Hall.

Town clerk Jamie Corrigan said: "It was a great event and nice to see so many people turn out. The new lights look great and will be improved further next year.

"There was lots of entertainment and music to get people in the festive mood, including music from the new Ferryhill Jazz Band."