An incredible 6,000 residents watched the switching on Sutton town centre's Christmas lights.

Shoppers and families came in their droves to watch Father Christmas flip the switch on the borough’s illuminations.

He was accompanied by six-year old Natt McNally, who was also tasked with switching on the lights after winning a Sutton Council-run snowman naming competition with his effort "Al-Freezze".

Seaton House and Hackbridge Primary school choirs joined pantomime characters in entertaining the crowd before the big switch-on on Thursday evening.

Robin Hood and St Mary’s Junior school choirs also sang outside the St. Nicholas Centre in Sutton High Street.

Further down the High Street, outside the Asda supermarket, crowds gathered to watch dance and hip hop acts.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, Sutton Council's spokesperson for economic development, said: “This was a fantastic event which drew big crowds to the town centre. It is the perfect way to kick off the four week programme of Christmas events in Sutton.”