DESPITE the bad weather, Limekilns’ Christmas lights were switched on in front of a big crowd last Sunday on the village green.

Families enjoyed refreshments and entertainment including carols and a visit from Santa.

Sarah Duffin, who organised the event with neighbours and friends, said, “It was a huge success. We were really pleased because the weather was so awful and cold and miserable we didn’t know how many people would turn out but we had a great big crowd.

“The rain stayed away for Lady Elgin and Lady Martha Bruce switching on the lights after a big countdown but it came on again later.

“Limekilns school sang a few songs for us and the church choirmaster led us in some carols. The Ship Inn provided mulled wine (which we ran out of!) and the Sundial Café had soup and stovies.

“Santa arrived to hand out sweets with some elves in a convertible car which was nice and lots of villagers had baked mince pies and other goodies. The tree was donated by Lord and Lady Elgin and the village had been fundraising for lights.

“It was a really, really good turnout and we have had lots and lots of ‘likes’ and comments on social media.”