Families filled Ramsey town centre as the Christmas lights switch-on went without a hitch ... well almost.

Electrical problems dogged the preparation but were solved with moments to spare as BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Andie Harper and four-year-old competition winner Oscar turned on the lights in Great Whyte.

An expectant crowd had to wait 30 seconds after the countdown reached zero for the illuminations to light up.

The town centre was filled throughout the day with market stalls and a craft fayre.

Pastor Paul Adcock led the prayers before the switch-on with entertainment afterwards provided by the Thomas a Becket Church choir, the Ramsey Choral Society, an exercisathon from Ramsey Spinning Infant School with children dressed as clowns, Molly dancing from Ramsey Junior School, the Urban Dance Academy and a funfair.

Councillor Lisa Duffy, chairman of the Ramsey Christmas Lights Committee, said: “It was a really enjoyable day and everybody had lots of fun.

“It was great to see Father Christmas being led around the square meeting children led by our town mascot Rammy the Ram and also to see children of all ages dancing with parents after the switch-on.

“The highlight was the fireworks by Graham Knight which seemed to be endless. The event is self-funded by the generosity of the town which was incredible this year.”

She added: “Next year is 50 years of Ramsey Christmas lights so their will be a big spectacle. We want all the town to tell us what they want for the event.”

Next year’s event will take place on November 29.