Cuddly, controversial Keith Chegwin took time off rehearsals for Mother Goose at The Anvil, Basingstoke, to switch on Winchester's Christmas lights --and he kept his clothes on.

The cheeky TV entertainer hit the headlines earlier this year when he bared all on a Channel 5 quiz.

But there was to be no repeat of his antics as he helped mayor, Thrse Evans, judge a dancing contest and joined in the children's parade, headed by a marching band, before turning on the lights.

It was the highlight of an entertaining evening with charity stalls doing a roaring trade, hot chestnuts and carols in the Covert.

"It was great to see so many families in the city centre enjoying the event," said Richard Nash, town centre manager.

Brenda House won the Hampshire Chronicle competition to guess how many baubles there were on the NTL-sponsored city centre Christmas tree.

The answer was 360 and she has until December 14th to claim her prize of gift vouchers worth £50.