Festive cheer filled the air in Ottery St Mary as crowds gathered for the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on and late-night shopping event.

Santa joined a torch-lit procession led by the town crier Laurie Palmer. The parish church choir sang carols en-route to the square in time for carnival queen Hannah Rigg and princesses Millie Gething and Freya Bailey to switch on the Christmas lights. Gliddons traction engine rolled into town to offer rides to visitors throughout the evening. The Pine Shop was named the winner of the chamber of commerce’s Christmas window competition.

Viv Abbot, chairman of the chamber, said: “We had a huge crowd. The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant and everyone seemed to be having a really good time. I would like to say a huge thank-you to everybody that helped to put it on, who were generous with their time and contributions.”