HUNDREDS of excited children and adults crammed the centre of Newton Abbot tonight (Saturday) to watch the 2016 Christmas lights switch on.

The event, which heralds the start of the Christmas season in the town, saw the Man in Red himself, Father Christmas, do the honours by plunging the big switch to illuminate the town in a myriad of festive lights.

The light switch on was followed by a fantastic Star Wars-themed fireworks display from the top of St Leonard’s Tower.

Lots of pictures and report in this Friday’s Mid-Devon Advertiser.