Sidmouth Christmas lights switched on by Judi Spiers

HOWLING wind and rain earlier in the day failed to dampen the spirits of children and adults eager to see broadcaster Judi Spiers switch on this year's Sidmouth Christmas lights.

HOWLING wind and rain earlier in the day failed to dampen the spirits of children and adults eager to see broadcaster Judi Spiers switch on this year's Sidmouth Christmas lights.

With the seafront cordoned off earlier in the day, because of storm force conditions, Sidmouth Town Council chairman, Councillor Peter Sullivan, said: "We were worried the lights wouldn't stand up to it, but when it came to it everything went perfectly and we had a very good turnout."

Only the Snow Queen on stilts had to cancel, concerned she might be blown over on to the crowd beneath.

"She will be coming back for late night opening on December 4," said Richard Eley, chairman of Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, who attracted hoards of children to the switch-on with its Golden Ticket competition, with �100 token donated by Gliddons toy shop as the prize.

"It was nice to see so many people there, the turnout was very good," said Mr Eley, who thanked the Gliddons for their generosity.

Don't miss the Christmas supplement in this week's Sidmouth Herald!