The rain poured but spirits were high as families gathered for the annual Christmas lights switch-on in Badshot Lea village centre.

But as the countdown neared the same question was on everyone’s lips: where was Santa?

The evening began in the St George’s with a choir singing carols to people queueing for hot dogs, cookies and hot drinks.

Badshot Lea Village Infant School pupils led churchgoers outside before taking to the stage to sing more carols and to welcome Farnham’s mayor, Cllr Brodie Mauluka.

But Santa – who was meant to stand alongside Brodie for the big switch-on – did not appear and a search party was sent out.

It turned out he had been hiding in a church room to make his final appearance extra exciting.

He didn’t hide for long and after pressing a large button with the mayor, the Christmas lights on the school and church came on, followed by a firework display.