Joy at Grimsby's Christmas lights - video

CHRISTMAS celebrations got under way in Grimsby last night as the town's lights were officially switched on.

Dozens of people gathered at the Riverhead to see the procession of children carrying Christmas lanterns, before the town was lit up.

Pupils from Elliston Infants School led the crowd in carol singing, before the Salvation Army band performed some classic Christmas tunes.

Led by Canon Michael Hunter, the children walked from St James's Church to the Riverhead, where they performed three of their favourite Christmas songs.

Grimsby town centre Christmas lights at the Riverhead

The mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor John Colebrook, then led the crowd in a countdown before switching on the lights.

He said: "It is a privilege to switch the lights on. The pupils were excellent at singing and really got the crowd in the Christmas spirit.

"I think the tree looks great and gets Grimsby looking good for Christmas. Lots of people have turned out to see the lights be switched on. Let's hope that people also get spending in the shops in town."

Six-year-old Daniel Harris was one of the children from Elliston Infants taking part in the lantern parade.

"It was really good," he said.

"I have being doing lots of practice for the songs and it was good fun."

The event, organised by the Grimsby Town Centre Forum, also marked the start of late-night Christmas shopping at Freshney Place.

Chairman Dave Ranshaw said: "I think it went very well, it was a great night. The children singing was fabulous – obviously a lot of practice went into it.

"I think the tree is the best we have ever had and there are extra lights on it this year so it looks absolutely superb.

"I think everyone who came could not have failed to be moved by the pupils.

"It was all absolutely fantastic."