SALCOMBE’S Christmas lights were switched-on last week, as crowds of people packed into the town centre to herald the beginning of the town’s seasonal celebrations.

Former lifeboat coxswain and mechanic, Frank Smith was master of ceremonies for the evening and the lights were switched-on by Bronte Harrod and Ayla Arteaga, members of Salcombe Rainbows and Brownies.

The Rainbows and Brownies also performed Christmas carols, conducted by Hazel Burkitt.

Father Daniel French, from Holy Trinity, Salcombe was in attendance dressed as a Christmas elf and Father Christmas mingled among the crowds.

A spokesperson for the Christmas Lights Committee said: ‘We would like to thank the Brownies, together with Father Christmas who dropped by from the North Pole, staff from the Bakehouse who brought around delicious homemade mince pies, Nic T and his assistants and Dave and his team from the Fortescue who supplied the very nice punch!

‘Finally, the Christmas Lights Committee would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the public spirited individuals and businesses of the town for their very generous financial support, without which our Christmas Lights wouldn’t happen.’