Christmas officially began in Lisbellaw last Friday night, December 1, when the Christmas lights were switched on in the village.

A combined children's choir of Lisbellaw Primary School and Tattygar Primary School serenaded those attending the switch-on before Santa Claus arrived via a tractor.

The honour of switching on the lights was given to Patricia Gamble.

There was entertainment provided by the Party Bees and all children who attended were presented with a selection box by Santa.

Following the lights’ switch-on, a short fireworks display lit up the winter's sky in the village.