HUNDREDS of people turned out to mark the start of the festive period in Mold with the switching-on of the lights.

Father Christmas turned on the lights and school choirs sang to get the town in the spirit.

Town clerk Fred Boneham said: “The atmosphere was brilliant and there was a real Christmas feel. Father Christmas spent an hour and a quarter talking to children, which was a long time. This is the start of the Christmas period for us, so it was very nice.”

There was a fairground on the High Street and choirs from Mold Alun, St David’s Primary School, Ysgol Glan yr Afon, Ysgol Bryn Coch and Bryn Gwalia County Primary School performed.

Mr Boneham thanked all the volunteers who helped throughout the day.