CROWDS packed into Andover's High Street on Friday evening to witness the annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.

This year the event was bigger and better than ever, with £50,000 worth of new lights illuminating the town. The fun started at 6pm with pupils from Andover C of E Primary School entertaining the crowds with a variety of carols.

The Test Valley Junior Brass Band and the band of the Andover Air Training Corps also provided a selection of festive music as the excitement mounted. Santa's grand parade was slightly different this year, with the usual reindeer replaced by a team of Siberian husky dogs who delighted the crowds.

And as Santa set off for the High Street in his sleigh the Carnival Prince and Princess, Eileen Massey and Michael Bushnell and their attendants joined in the parade as it made its way from Bridge Street to the High Street where the highlight of the evening was taking place - the Christmas lights switch-on.

This year TV personality Fred Dinenage joined Test Valley Mayor Cllr Jack Taylor to switch on the lights amidst an explosion of confetti and cheers from the crowd.