THE festive season has kicked off in a Borders village with its Christmas lights switch-on event.

Santa was joined by special guests Isla, Samantha, Ellie and James Macpherson to light up the Christmas tree in Newtown St Boswells on the weekend.

A craft fair with plenty of stalls was held before the parade turned its attention towards the switch-on.

Organisers invited performer Rebecca Williams to play a few songs and to help in celebrating the lives of residents lost this year, with families placing memory stars on the tree.

A spokesperson for the event said: "The Xmas lights team fund these stars as a token of remembrance for our residents, and the families get to keep them after their time on the village tree.

"After the switch-on, Santa went on his merry way with his elves, driving round the village visiting all the streets to wave and throw some sweets out to waiting children.

"The truck was kindly donated to us for the day once again by the team at Cooks Van Hire. And as always [it was] much appreciated."

The village bought its "fabulous" tree from a local forester.

The community indirectly funds this through recycling clothes and textiles.