CROWDS turned out to welcome Christmas to Leominster last weekend as the town's festive lights were switched on and a winter festival was held to mark the start of the season.

The festivities started on Saturday with a traditional children's nativity service at the Priory Church, featuring children from local schools.

A procession into Corn Square then took place with donkeys and other nativity characters while Choral Diversity entertained spectators with carols and festive songs before the lights were turned on.

Leominster traders were also involved in the switch-on, with each business turning on their own lights at the same time.

Meanwhile, around 400 people visited the Winter Festival which also took place in Corn Square, on Sunday.

Lisa Paget-Davis, chairman of Leominster Christmas Jubilee (LCJ) which organised the event, said: "It was a very successful day with entertainment from Endless Entertainment, live broadcast with Like radio, dancers from local dance schools, the EMC choir and Chloe Higgs, a solo singer.

"The town council supported us throughout and all stalls were sought from the local small businesses."

She added that donkey rides took place on the day, which was lit up by Pulse FX, and people were also entertained by a Punch and Judy show and bully bouncers.