SANTA turned on the lights in Wiveliscombe on a cold and frosty Friday evening – the first day of winter.

He had four young helpers from Wiveliscombe Primary School – Elsie Smith, Charlie Batten, Imogen Wheeler and Corey Garrity helped him illuminate the shops and Christmas tree, sponsored by Langford Lakes Christmas Trees.

The Wiveliscombe-based Jim Laker Fund spearheaded a drive to raise the money for new lights as Taunton Deane Borough Council no longer provides them.

Group chairman Tom Winsborough said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to provide new lights for the town, with the support of the town council, the Freemasons and Wivey Rotary.”

Rotary has for many years run Santa in the Square and Rotary president Peter Welsh said: “We hope we can continue to bring Santa to the town for many years to come.”