CINDERFORD put on an impressive Christmas light switch-on thanks to extra financial help from local businessman Neill Ricketts.

As usual there was a parade from Lidl car park to the Triangle where Santa was waiting in the wings to turn on the Christmas tree lights.

The town council welcomed the generous donation of Christmas lights from Mr Ricketts, who purchased £75,000 worth for £2,000 from Gloucestershire County Council who were replacing them for new.

There were lots to entertain the hundreds of people who attended the event including a performance from CANDI dance troupe, ukulele band Ukes uz Azzard and dozens of market stalls.

Santa also met with children in his grotto as the scouts cooked up some hot food for hungry people. Meanwhile Danter’s fun fair provided extra fun for the kids, and local radio station Triangle FM was broadcasting live.

Cinderford town mayor, Cllr Max Coborn said: “The rain held off which meant we saw a turnout of around 1,000 people.

“I was very impressed with the lights and received good feedback from locals who attended. I must thank Neill for helping out with the lights, the staff at the town council and Learn Direct who organised the stalls. It was a great evening.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.