CROWDS turned out in Verwood on a chilly night on Saturday to see the town’s lights switched on and to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Father Christmas arrived by steam train with carnival queen Heather Ryall.

After a count down the lights were switched on by town mayor Michael Dolan with help from Heather.

The Verwood Concert Training Band played carols and children queued to see Father Christmas, who was busy hearing wishes with Heather and Snow White in his grotto.

Town clerk Val Bright said: “It was a lovely evening.

“We are very lucky in Verwood. Volunteers put the lights up and prepared for the evening, the Scouts sold burgers, hotdogs and soup and the Heritage Centre provided mulled wine and mince pies. We are so lucky with the people we have in Verwood.”