A HUGE crowd, full of excitement and expectation, thronged the Square in St Teath on the first day of December for the annual switch-on of the village Christmas lights.

There was plenty to keep villagers entertained as they waited for the big moment — stalls of all kinds offering handmade gifts, cards, Christmas trees, fun and games for the children, and even a human fruit machine!

Perhaps most surprisingly the village was treated to a rare and wonderful appearance of an illuminated Dodo riding a tandem.

The hog roast, together with hot soup, mulled wine and mince pies, did a roaring trade throughout the evening.

There was carol singing from the choir, seasonal music from the band and best of all the arrival of Santa Claus himself on his magnificent, illuminated sleigh.

Children of all ages, helped by Santa’s elf guides, followed a magical, lantern-lit path to visit him in his grotto in the Old Vicarage garden.

The climax of the evening came when, after the usual tantalising countdown, the whole dazzling display, including brilliant additions on the White Hart and Pixie Cott, lit up the centre of the village, turning St Teath into a sea of light and colour.

It was a splendid start to the Christmas season and a tremendous achievement by the hard-working village lights team — well done, one and all!