THE Badshot Lea community gathered at St George’s Church for the grand switching-on of the village’s Christmas lights.

Special guests including David Attfield, the mayor of Farnham and town councillor for Weybourne and Badshot Lea, and Father Christmas himself pressed the big red button to kick start Badshot Lea’s festivities.

Carols were sung by choirs from the church and village infant schools in the countdown to the big switch-on, adding to performances by the TS Swiftsure Sea Cadets band.

Hot dogs, hot chocolate and mulled wine were also available to buy, as were roasted chestnuts courtesy of Squire’s Garden Centre.

St George’s will next host carol singing under the lit tree on Monday, December 18, at 6pm.