ANDOVER'S Christmas lights switch on proved another resounding success despite the rain. It failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the large crowd gathered to watch the spectacle.

The event also saw the welcome return of Test Valley mayor Tony Gentle to civic duties.

The mayor, who suffered a stroke in the summer but has been making a good recovery, has returned to 'light duties'.

He took the opportunity of the switch on to wish the crowd a merry Christmas.

Also making a festive reappearance were Father Christmas' reindeer who had to stay in Lapland last year because of restrictions imposed in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.

The reindeer were at the head of the traditional parade which wound its way from Bridge Street to the High Street in time for 'Santa's Showtime' and the countdown to the lights switch on at 7.30pm.

During the countdown street entertainers cheered the crowd while Southampton FC's mascot 'Sammy the Saint' went along to add to the fun.

Topping the bill as the big draw was Meridian TV man Andy Craig who had the job of pressing the plunger to turn the lights on. As he did so a huge confetti firework exploded to add to the drama of the evening.

After the turn on many stayed behind to enjoy a street disco organised by Andover FM

Planning for the Christmas lights begins early in a bid to brighten up the winter gloom and to help pay for the activities a street collection was taken.

Afterwards town centre manager Christine Cole said: "The event was extremely successful in spite of the weather so all credit to the people of Andover who turned out in their thousands.

"We were all thrilled to see so many faces."