EVEN the absence of a Christmas tree could not dampen the festive spirits of shoppers who gathered in Fareham last night for the switching-on of the Christmas lights.

The tree became a casualty of midweek storms and was snapped in two by the force of the gales.

But despite claiming the centrepiece of the Christmas display the bad weather couldn't deter the hundreds of people who turned out in force to see the illuminations.

Dispensing with the mayoral car, Fareham mayor Pam Bryant arrived at the shopping centre on Santa's horse-drawn sleigh.

There she joined the cast of this year's pantomime Aladdin which included Jeremy Spake, of Airport fame, Shep Woolley and Alvin Stardust.

She said: "I am very pleased to be here and wonderful to see so many of you here despite the appalling weather. May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very happy Christmas."

She also confirmed a replacement tree was being organised and should be erected by the end of next week.

Compering the night was Ocean FM's Spencer Kelly who is also among the cast of the panto at Ferneham Hall.

Along with the roadshow crowds were also treated to a mini-fairground, rides on a Thomas the Tank Engine train and a host of sideshows.

The evening marked the start of late- night shopping in the town that will continue every Thursday until December 19.