HUNDREDS of people were out in force on Saturday in the heart of Newton Abbot as the town was illuminated with festive lights, marking the start of Christmas in the town.

Mayor Liz Roberts said: ‘Newton Abbot was lit up on Saturday night to a wonderful display of our new Christmas lights. ‘I would like to give my thanks to all involved in the organisation of the evening, lots of man hours to deliver an absolutely spectacular event. ‘The town came alive and it was so wonderful to see so many people turn out in the cold to see the lights and fireworks.’

See more pictures in today’s (December 2) paper.