RYEDALE'S towns and villages became a Christmas fantasy at the weekend when thousands of illuminated displays and lights were switched on.

One of the biggest events was at Thornton-le-Dale, where an estimated crowd of more than 500 packed the village square and roads were closed to mark the switch-on of the lights by nine-year-old Chelsea Leadley, aided by Father Christmas.

Costume-dressed residents manned stalls, with Father Christmas giving away apples, oranges and sweets, while the Yorkshire Coast Morris dancing team entertained in the street, and the EASY Band played on the green.

Coun Wilf Garbutt, chairman of the parish council said: "It was a tremendous night. There was a wonderful atmosphere and certainly the biggest crowd I have seen for the switching on of the lights."

At Middleton, residents packed the village hall to see community stalwart John Harrison switch on its ambitious display of lights which now cover the whole village after several fundraising events were held to finance the purchase of more bulbs.

Crambeck villagers, meanwhile, came out in force to welcome Santa Claus (and Rudolph) on Sunday when he arrived with Rudolph to turn on the village's Christmas lights. Santa was accompanied by members of the Crambeck Brass Band who played throughout his visit.

In addition to the community festive displays, many homes have been transformed into Blackpool-style illuminations.

One bungalow in Pine Tree Avenue, Rillington, close to the A64 road, is displaying its plethora of lights in aid of the Friends of Malton Hospital, while a house in Ings Garth, Pickering, has been decorated to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research campaign.

A huge crowd braved bad weather to see the switch on of Norton's Christmas lights.

Festivities were accompanied by an 18-piece soul band from Lady Lumley's School in Pickering and the lights were switched on by Bob North, organiser for many years of the town's Christmas illuminations. Malton and Norton town centre manager Peter Mudge was delighted with how the event went and said it was all down to the hard work of new volunteer Stuart Collins. "He has been the Santa Claus of Malton and Norton this year," he said. "If it wasn't for Stuart and his helpers, then there wouldn't have been such a great show."

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, December 10, 2003