AROUND 2,000 people turned out for the switching on of Skipton’s new Christmas Lights.

Last Thursday's event, held to coincide with Skipton gaining Fair Trade Town status, took place outside Skipton Town Hall.

The new lights, including lamp post motifs, cross-street motifs, tree lighting and a "ceiling of light" above Sheep Street have been funded jointly by the town council and the Skipton Town Partnership as part of an ongoing lease arrangement.

And to make the festive display even more impressive, the town is boasting its biggest ever Christmas tree - donated by the Bolton Abbey Estate.

The lights were switched on by Kaden Christophides a year five pupil at Water Street School, who won the competition to design a poster to promote the event. Kaden was joined by town mayor, Cllr John Dawson, and the co-ordinator of Fairtrade Yorkshire, Mark Dawson.

Santa also made a guest appearance along with Elsa and Olaf from Disney’s hit film, Frozen.

Many shops stayed open late into the evening and a reception was held in the town hall council chamber for those involved in the work towards gaining Fair Trade accreditation.

“We’re delighted with the new lights, which look absolutely fantastic and give the town a real festive feel," said Cllr Dawson.

"It was also great to see so many people joining us for the event. The area outside the town hall was packed with families and young children and there was a really good atmosphere.”

The switch-on was planned as a low-key event this year to test the demand for a similar event in the future.

Mary Arber, Skipton Town Partnership manager, said: "We were thrilled to see so many people in town. It felt like a real partnership event, involving Skipton’s shops, residents, schools and community groups. Feedback has been really positive, giving us the confidence to run an event again next year - but even bigger and better."

The Christmas lights will stay on until January 6.