BEACON Hill shone out for Christmas on Sunday with a grand switch at a packed festive market with carol singing around the tree.

Haslemere Mayor Malcolm Carter joined the two youngest pupils at Beacon Hill Primary School – both born on the same day – to light up the village.

New illuminations were added this year by Beacon Hill Light Brigade, which is headed by Brian Walsh, including glittering strings linking the stalls together.

“It went very well,” stallholders committee member Sue Thwaites said. “We had 20 stalls plus the big red bus from the Cookie Bar, in Hindhead.

“More than 60 children enjoyed a visit to Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their three little elves and a special gift.

“The Christmas market started out with just a couple of stalls but it has grown and grown. With the lights, it makes a lovely sociable start to the season.”