RICHARD HAMMOND shared his love for a Herefordshire town in a speech he made at its Christmas lights switch-on.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council asked the TV presenter and resident if he could do the honour of turning on the lights yesterday (November 27).

The council were delighted to announce the news, said a spokesperson.

Before he pressed the big red button on the stage in front of the Market House, he made the town feel special.

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He took the opportunity to say he and his family are very happy to call it their home.

“We’re very proud of this little town,” he said.

Hammond then joked: “I’ve probably bumped into most of you in the street before, or more likely in Morrisons.”

He wished the 70 stalls at the event a successful day.

Hammond noted it had been an almighty year and as it got closer to Christmas people may be worrying about presents and food.

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But it is about love and friendship which is experienced for free in Ross-on-Wye, he said.

“Here’s to love and friendship this Christmas,” said Hammond.

“Have an absolutely brilliant one wherever you’re celebrating it and whoever you will be celebrating it with.

“I will probably see you around anyway.”

Before you pressed the button that turned on the lights, he joked he shouldn’t be trusted.

The town crier led the count down but as Hammond tried to turn them on, as he predicted, they didn’t initially work.

But when the technical issue was corrected everyone was ecstatic to see the bright lights surround the Market House, down the streets, and light up the Christmas tree.