IT was a “wonderful start” to the Christmas season as the community in Earlston gathered together on Sunday (December 10).

The annual switch on event returned to town to the delight of residents.

The colourful displays drew in an impressive crowd of admirers.

This year, the chair of Earlston Primary School Parent Council, Mhari Wood, was invited to switch on the Christmas lights by the Earlston Christmas Lights Community.

A spokesperson from the Friends of Earlston Primary School and ELC Hub said: “Well done to our very own Mhari Wood for switching the Earlston Christmas lights on last night.

“The lights are spectacular, as always, well done Earlston Christmas Lights Community.

“Thanks Mhari for all your hard work as Chair of the parent council and all you’ve done for the wider Earlston community!”

And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from Santa!

Leading the parade through the town on a grey tractor, provided by Davie and Mary Wood, Father Christmas greeted all the youngsters in the town, with everyone receiving an early present of sweets.

Preparations for the switch on had been long in the making, with the Earlston Christmas Lights Community team working hard last month to begin putting the lights up, and last week pupils from Earlston Primary School did their bit to decorate the town.

Ahead of Sunday’s switch on, pupils from P5-7 worked with volunteers from Earlston in Bloom to create festive foliage which can be found around the town.