CHRISTMAS officially arrived in Leominster and Ledbury last weekend when crowds packed into the town centres for a day of festive fun.

In Leominster, the day was the culmination of a year of fundraising by community group – Leominster Christmas Jubilee – which aimed to bring the sparkle back to the annual lights switch-on event.

And it has been hailed a success, with Sunshine radio hosting the event in the Corn Square.

It also featured dancers, mascots including Olaf from Frozen, and other entertainment.

Two of the six organisers, Lisa Paget-Davis and Sadie Biddle, said: "It was challenging but fantastic. The amount of people in the crowd was just incredible.

"You couldn't see any part of the square. We have had fantastic responses through Facebook and had great feedback. We are already planning to do it again next year and we are really trying to bring life back to the town.

"It was real teamwork by everybody. Watching the kids' faces when the lights came on was a highlight and just made us think 'Leominster has done it'. If it wasn't for the community we wouldn't have been able to pay for it."

Plans are already underway for next year's event and a fundraising Christmas fair will take place at the White Lion this Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm.

Any businesses who could help with sponsorship for next year’s event can call Lisa on 07432708827.

And hundreds of people turned out to enjoy Ledbury's switch-on event.

Ledbury Town Band and Ledbury Community Choir were there to entertain crows while there was also juggling, a stilt walker, dancers and more.

Mayors from around Herefordshire were also there to help celebrate.