IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Selkirk.

On Saturday more than 1,000 Souters braved the cold to welcome in the festive season.

Joining Santa as guests of honour at the official switch-on party was the 2016 Standard Bearer Rory Monks and his attendants, Kieran Riddell, Aaron McPherson, Mathew Stanners and Sam Coultherd.

Throughout the afternoon children enjoyed a reindeer hunt, crafts and festive face painting.

And there was plenty toe-tapping entertainment from Selkirk Silver Band, Dere Street Riddell Fiddles and Selkirk Amateur Operatic Society.

Rosie Foreman who won the primary school competition to design a Christmas jumper, was given the honour of switching on the lights.

Edith Scott from Selkirk Illuminations Committee told us: "Selkirk Christmas Lights has been an overwhelming success this year.

"We have a young, vibrant committee who are full of enthusiasm and Saturday's switch-on was testament to all of their hard work."

Troubles in recent years have seen the town scale back its festive lights.

And only a last-ditch appeal last year prevented a complete black-out.

But the appointment of Caroline Penman as chair of the committee along with Carol Guthrie as head of fundraising has helped turn a corner.

Over the past fortnight close to 50 volunteers have helped hang lights along the length of the High Street.

And this is only the start.

Mrs Scott added: "The support the committee has received this year has been phenomenal.

"Caroline took on the chair and she has done a fantastic job.

"We will all continue to work hard to continue adding to what we now have."

This year's Christmas illuminations have been bolstered by more than 2,000 knitted baubles as well as woollen stockings, stars and other yarn-bomber decorations.

Kay Ross from the yarnbombers said: "We spoke to the Christmas Lights committee about decorating the tree and the town and they wanted us to do it."

The nativity countdown continues in Selkirk over the next fortnight with Selkirk Silver Band hosting its Christmas Concert on Saturday in the Victoria Hall.

The band will also be performing carols the following day in the Parish Church before heading to Ettrickbridge for some more festive fanfare on Monday evening.

Selkirk Silver Band will also play ath the Living nativity and Carol Singing event on Christmas Eve in the Market Square.