The Christmas lights switch on in St Keverne had a great turn out this year, with families coming from as far as Newquay to see the tree and pay a visit to Father Christmas.

Although there were some worries about the weather in the afternoon, one of the organisers Denise Cooper said: “The event was very well supported by the local community.”

She added that there had been a queue of 115 children waiting to sit on Father Christmas’ knee, despite the village primary school only having 65 pupils.

Attractions other than the lights included a snow machine, festive tunes from St Keverne Band and a warming barbecue, which was followed up by mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Community spirit was shown through the donations made by local businesses to the raffle, including from Lizard’s Ale, the New Yard restaurant, Sid’s Fish and Chips, Roskilly’s, Be Gorgeous Salon, West Country Fruit and Vegetables and many others.

The sausages and burgers for the barbecue were bought from Retallacks Butchers and buns were from Pierre of St Keverne Bakery.

Denise said special mention should be given to Sid’s Fish and Chips for selling over £100 worth of raffle tickets as well as making a donation.