There was fake snow, music and plenty of laughs as Christmas officially started in Whitchurch on Saturday.

Hundreds gathered in the town’s High Street to watch the 2017 Citizen of the Year Rose Snell press the button alongside town mayor Councillor Tony Neville.

Rose, who had told the Herald how proud she was to have been named Citizen of the Year, was dressed in her full British Legion regalia, once again representing those who have been affected by conflict.

The 'snow’ came courtesy of cannons fired into the crowd while many in the town enjoyed walking through Green End towards the Civic Centre as part of the Lantern Parade, with Cllr Neville and Ms Snell right at the front.

There was plenty of performances and dancers to give the waiting crowds something to enjoy, while many enjoyed the many refreshments on offer.