CROWDS packed into Northwich town centre on Saturday for the annual Christmas Extravaganza and lights switch-on.

A winter wonderland was created in town for the day, which culminated in an lantern parade, the switch-on and a firework finale.

Chris Shaw, Northwich Town Council's clerk, said: "It was an amazing atmosphere on Saturday and it was so brilliant to see Northwich packed with visitors.

"Both the Northwich Town Council and the BID have worked incredibly hard to ensure there was a great mix of activities and events for everyone to enjoy.

"Capturing the Christmas spirit was key and I feel we really achieved this."

The event was organised by Northwich Town Council and Northwich Business Improvement District (BID) with support from Northwich Independent Retailers Association (NIRA).

Families enjoyed free tractor and trailer rides, arts and crafts activities, a Rodeo Reindeer and a Christmas petting zoo, as well as fairground rides, live music, tempting food stalls and a range of community and Christmas gift stalls.

Santa and his sleigh were in town for the day with his friends from Northwich Rotary Club, and there were a variety of pantomime characters, princesses, superheroes and even Darth Vader handing out sweets and meeting children.

The lantern parade saw schoolchildren walk along High Street and Witton Street with their handmade lanterns to Northwich Library where there was a performance by Christopher Maloney, who is starring in The Grange Theatre's pantomime 'Peter Pan'.

The lights were switched on by Northwich town mayor Cllr Andy Stott and seven-year-old Connie Shrieves, who won a competition to design a new mascot for Northwich.

Jane Hough, Northwich BID manager, said: "This was a brilliant start to the festive season and it was great to see residents and visitors enjoying a fun, family friendly event to kick-start Christmas.

"Northwich Town Council, the Northwich BID, NIRA and everyone involved have worked extremely hard all year to ensure the success of the Extravaganza, and we’re already looking forward to starting the preparations for next year’s event."