A stunning evening of light entertainment has begun the countdown to Christmas in two East Hampshire towns.

Hundreds of people gathered on the streets of Alton and Bordon last Friday as their respective Christmas lights were turned on.

The drop in temperature was apt as Elsa and Olaf from Frozen swapped Arendelle for Alton as they helped the mayor and town crier with the big switch-on.

Big crowds gathered around the cairn and Market Square for the illuminating event, which followed an afternoon of entertainment around the town centre.

Santa asked youngsters for their wishes, shoppers browsed stalls around the High Street and Assembly Rooms, while local schools and acts like Kings Pond Shanty Men, Alton Rock Choir, Tilly Lukeman and The Dirty Lilacs entertained the crowd.

There were similar scenes down the B3004 with a good-sized crowd braving the chilly weather for the big switch-on in Bordon.

Town mayor, Cllr James Fryer, did the honours after the countdown with the Sacred Heart Pipe Band playing a variety of Christmas carols to continue the festivities.

Father Christmas also took time off from his busy schedule to visit while Sacred Heart and the Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust added to the festive cheer by holding a variety of stalls and craft activities at the church.

“We were thrilled to see such a fantastic turn out for the Christmas lights switch on,” said Whitehill Town Council leader, Cllr Andy Tree.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success".