A TOWN has come together to share in some festive fun with the official Christmas lights switch on to illuminate Stockton.

The Stockton Sparkles event saw hundreds of families enjoying a wide range of Christmas-themed entertainment, including a vibrant village festival.

Hartburn's very own nine-year-old Brooke Burke, who appeared on the BBC's The Voice Kids, gave a pitch-perfect performance to crowds before the stage was lit up with a unique mirror ball act.

The Sparkles Market also launched on the High Street, offering a range of handmade crafts, gifts and treats.

The official Christmas lights switch-on was led by the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Eileen Johnson, alongside Santa himself and guests on stage to press the button and get Stockton sparkling.

The vent marks a four-week programmes of arts and craft workshops, street theatre, choirs and reindeer parade.