PONY rides, a brass band, and a visit from Santa all helped mark the start of Christmas festivities in Rose Hill.

Dozens of people came out for the Oval Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Scores of lights have been draped around trees and dozens of people turned out for the event. Donnington Doorstep Kitchen supplied the food.

Courtney Bustin, 17, who helped out with the pony rides, estimated about 100 people turned out for the event.

She said: “It was really nice. “All the kids enjoyed themselves, there was something for everyone. It was a really nice atmosphere.”