NANTWICH'S festive season officially kicked off last Thursday as residents flocked to the town square to see the Christmas lights get switched on.

Nantwich Town Council chairman Penny Butterill and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Mayor Cllr Steve Roberts officially started the market town's celebrations by turning on the colourful light decorations.

The civic leaders were helped by this year's Peter Pan pantomime cast, a day before they started their performances at the Lyceum Theatre.

Cllr Penny Butterill said: "The town council sponsors the tree and the Christmas lights every year and once again it was a wonderfully successful evening.

"It was a cold but dry evening and the turn out was very, very good.

"We also have a church service for the children, where they all have the opportunity to light candles before parading down to the square to see the lights getting switched on.

"On top of that, there was a couple of fairground rides and live music for them to enjoy at the start of the festive season."