Rishi Sunak joined the start of Christmas celebrations in Bedale.

The Richmond MP and Prime Minister called in to the annual Bedale Christmas Festival at Bedale Hall on Saturday.

He visited many of the 30-plus festive gift stalls in the hall and adjacent marquee where the ukelele band from Crakehall Primary School entertained the crowds.

The Northern Echo: Rishi Sunak meets visitors to the Bedale Christmas Festival

There were also musical contributions from Bedale Primary School and the Yorkshire Voices rock choir.

The Bedale Banquet was held on the North End cobbles outside the hall.

Mr Sunak said: “I attended the event last year and once again this was a great way to get the festive celebrations underway.”

Sally Williams, who organised the event on behalf of the Bedale and Villages Community Forum, said: “It was great to once more have our MP and Prime Minister’s support.”

Bedale’s Christmas market and lights switch-on is this Sunday.

The lights will be turned on at 4.30pm.