IT was a magical Christmas lights switch on for one County Durham market town on Friday.

That’s after Barnard Castle Town Council teamed up with Dickens in Teesdale and the Barnard Castle Christmas Lights group for the annual event at Scar Top.

As well as the tradition of Father Christmas switching on the lights and seeing children in his grotto; residents also enjoyed a giant snow dome as well as a projected window light show which featured actors in Victorian costumes.

Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine were provided while the Mayor’s Raffle also took place inside Woodleigh along with some festive stalls and storytelling.

Councillor Sandra Moorhouse said: “I hope residents and visitors alike enjoyed the event, they certainly seemed to, how do we beat that next year!”