CHRISTMAS began in Bromyard on Saturday when the town's festive lights were switched on.

Around a thousand people gathered by the 35ft Christmas tree to see Leominster MP Bill Wiggin flick the switch to illuminate Bromyard at 5.30pm, helped by local girls Imogen and Amelia Harris, who did the countdown.

An afternoon of fun in The Square preceded the big switch-on. More than 300 children visited Father Christmas in his grotto and there were roundabouts and swings for them to enjoy afterwards.

Jonathan Lester, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, which organised the event, said: "It went splendidly well. The Square was packed and there were people all the way up to the laundry in the High Street."

Bromyard's Wind Band and Choral Society created a festive atmosphere by providing musical entertainment for the crowd.

Olive's Wool Shop won the Christmas window display competition and the Cherry Tree Nursery was second. Flowers by Michelle won the trade window category with Olive's Wool Shop in second place.

Olive Allsup unveiled her mystery life-sized knitted figure, which she had made to depict a well-known Bromyard person. People were asked to guess its identity in a competition to raise money for the Christmas lights.

The figure represented Stevie Geoghegan, who sings in a folk band with her husband Pete, runs the St Joseph's RC Church music group and visits residential homes to perform with Churches Together.

She also works as a matron at St Richard's School near Bromyard, where the children are now calling her 'the woolly matron'.

Stevie said she had entered the competition herself as she thought the mystery figure was Margaret Dallow as a tribute to her work at the Conquest Theatre.

"I was totally amazed," she said, "There are so many other women in the town who I feel were more worthy."