The Pickering community turned out in droves to celebrate the annual lights switch-on organised by the Town Council.

The event was a huge success with a special appearance from Santa who was transported to the Market Place in a magical brand new sleigh courtesy of Ryedale Lions.

In preparation, the town was decorated by the Pickering Yarnbombers and members of the Pickering WI and there was no shortage of entertainment with performances from Magic Mike, the Tuneless Choir, Sweet Harmony, pupils from St Joseph’s School, Stape Silver Band and a debut from local youth rock band, Poison Dart.

Cllr Joan Lovejoy, Mayor of Pickering said: “Pickering Town Council work hard to ensure that this event happens each year for Pickering residents. It was good to see so many families enjoying the entertainment and rides. Our thanks go to all the groups who helped to make it so successful.”

Pickering Town will continue with the seasonal celebrations with late-night shopping every Thursday night from November 30 continuing through to December 21.

Businesses will open until 7pm to give residents an opportunity to pick up gifts and make orders in the lead up to Christmas with North Yorkshire Council suspending parking charges in The Ropery from 4pm. Live music is scheduled in the street.

Andrew Bundy, director of Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC) and proprietor of Pickering Book Tree said: "At Pickering Book Tree we're delighted to offer Thursday evening shopping in the lead up to Christmas. We hope that by extending opening hours it will make it easier and less stressful to shop for presents. The Town is lit up beautifully for the season and this is the perfect opportunity to buy your gifts from local independent shops, as well as savour the festive atmosphere in our pretty market town."

A ‘Count the Christmas Pudding’ competition will launch on the first night of late-night opening. Puddings knitted by the Pickering Yarn-bombers and the ladies of the ‘Knit and Natter’ group in Pickering Library will be hidden in shop windows about the town. Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors have kindly donated a prize of a Fire HD8 table nestled in a sweet hamper for the lucky winner. The prize will sit pride of place in the window of Television House and entries can be submitted either there or The Pet Store.

Carrie Brackstone, Operations Manager of PTCIC said: Christmas is a real community effort and it is heart-warming to see, the CIC, Pickering Town Council and all of the community groups and businesses supporting our Market Place. If you are struggling to think of a gift for somebody then a Pickering Gift Voucher could be the ideal gift. With over 50 local businesses accepting the vouchers, by buying a voucher you are ensuring that your pennies are kept in Pickering."

Pickering Gift Vouchers can be purchased from Pickering Book Tree or ordered online at www.visitpickering.co.uk