CHILDREN put an extra sparkle into Christmas at the weekend when Shildon switched on its festive display.
Dressed as angels and kings, the youngsters followed Father Christmas, pulled by two white ponies instead of reindeer, to the market square for the teatime ceremony.
The launched started three days of celebrations with a European theme. Traders from Holland, France, Germany, Spain and Italy made the trip across the channel for a continental market.
The fun continues in Crook this Friday, when children from the town's three primary schools will switch on the Christmas lights in North Terrace, near the War Memorial, at 4.30pm.
The Royal Corner and the trees in North Terrace will be illuminated and there will be an additional 30 illuminated trees above shop fronts, in Hope Street.
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