Christmas in Surbiton started with a bang last week when Santa rolled into town to switch on the festive illuminations.

More than 300 children and grown-ups filled the streets outside Surbiton Station on Thursday, November 22.

Santa arrived in style on Surbiton Rotary Clubs musical float and was soon swamped by eager children who were given humbugs.

At 5pm, he switched on the Surbitons Christmas tree, with the help of Kingston Mayor, Jeremy Thorn.

The centre-piece of the display consists of three 24ft trees containing more than 1,400 sparkling lights.

Organiser, Councillor Dennis de Lord said: It was so popular that I think it now has to be a regular feature in Surbitons calendar. We were privileged to get both the Mayor and Father Christmas doing the honours.