MORE than 1,000 revellers arrived in Scunthorpe's Church Square this evening for the grand Christmas lights switch on.

There was music, fun and frolics galore, but the real highlight of the event was the arrival of Father Christmas, whose sleigh was pulled into the square by two real reindeer.

Lincs FM presenters Rob Hammond and Ed Bretten came over to Scunthorpe to perform the popular switch on ceremony.

And the fun started early, as Rob broadcast his afternoon show live from the Westgate department store.

This was followed by a family roadshow in Church Square at 5.30pm.

The cast from the pantomime Dick Whittingham were among the special roadshow guests, including the larger than life panto dame Annie Fannie.

Lincs FM talent competition winner Breeze went down a storm with the crowd. And the songstress, who comes from Sleaford, said it was her first visit to Scunthorpe.

Speaking after her performance, Breeze, 19, said: "It has been fantastic – really great. It's the biggest crowd I have ever sung in front of."

And the younger members of the audience were enthralled by the appearance of Wilbur, the Lincs FM bear.

Bakery store Greggs helped generate the Christmas spirit, by donating 250 delicious shop-baked mince pies filled with vine fruits.

These were handed out to the audience prior to the switch on.

The lights were turned on by Annie Fannie pushing the plunger. And, seconds later, the stage and the air was filled with flakes of artificial snow.

But, as would be expected, the real star of the show was Santa, who arrived in a sleight pulled by two of his reindeer, Prancer and Dancer.

Natasha Shipman from Keadby brought her two sons Ethan, 5, and one-year-old Harry to see the festive show.

"It was good. We came last year as well, but there was a lot more people here this year.

"It was a fantastic night. All these people walking around with lights made it special, especially for the children. It's a really nice atmosphere," she said.