COURTENAY Street was packed out for the annual Newton Abbot Christmas light switch-on on Saturday.

Shoppers stood shoulder to shoulder with little ones hoisted to parents' shoulders to ensure they got a good view of all the excitement.

The big switch-on was the climax of a day of festivities, with street entertainers, face painting, balloon modelling, to live music and a tall, walking and talking Christmas tree.

The smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air as shoppers got an early start on buying presents.

Father Christmas was joined in his sleigh by Commonwealth Games gold medallist Natalie Melmore, Newton Abbot mayor Cllr Carol Bunday and carnival royalty, in the procession from the war memorial to the clock tower.

Finally, the identity of the mystery guest as unveiled - Newton Abbot's very own homage to Jeremy Clarkson's Top Gear – The Sprig. FULL STORY IN OUR ONLINE EDITION