THE Christmas lights switch-on in Middlesbrough saw thousands of people enjoy a feast of festive fun which took place throughout the day.

With live entertainment, a reindeer parade and street performers taking over the town's Centre Square, the day-long event celebrated the switch-on in style.

Santa' sleigh had two special guests enjoying a ride after Joshua Green, aged six, and five-year-old Emily Weedy won a colouring competition to secure the prime seats.

The parade around the town centre was followed by the traditional switching on of the lights to add a little extra sparkle to Middlesbrough.

mima was also open, with a unique Christmas Market including crafts, jewellery, cards, food and drink, while a Christmas fairground on Centre Square proved popular.

Operations manager Graeme Skillen, of the event's main sponsor The Cleveland Centre, said: “We love branching out and working with the community and it does not get any bigger than this.”