Christmas got into full swing in Penryn with a huge crowd of people lining the streets for the town's lights switch on.

It rained throughout Saturday afternoon but luckily cleared up in time as the community got into the festive spirit.

Former mayor Charles "Chaz" Wenmoth was on hand to switch on the lights, who said:

"I am very proud of Penryn and I'm sure you are as well. Tonight, and in the last 6 months, I have noticed many new Penryn faces. Prior to Christmas, I would like to invite you and your family to join our community. You are most welcome, wherever you come from, welcome to Penryn."

On the night, there was a display from Embrace Dance Fitness, and music from The Chorus, St Keverne Band, and Penryn Academy Choir.

The winners of the annual Christmas shop window competition were announced, Sweeney Todd Barbers won best in town, Macsalvors won best on Commercial Road, local residents winners were 111 The Terrace.

Matt Snowdon, Chairman of the Christmas lights, commented:

"We have waited two years for this. A massive effort has been put into getting the lights on. I'd like to thank Gay Bower Harris, Kay Barnes, Bernadette Snow, Michelle Bray, Bonnie Cogdon, Rachel Richards, and Mike and Helen Moore. That is your tree gang and we have put up 46 trees through the town, that takes a bit of doing.

"On the lines and the lights, we had Pete Collins, Attila Jenei, Kevin Messer, Anthony Eva, Stan Dunstan, Steve Richards, Chris Davis, Mark, and Hayley Newton. Help from my wife Diane Snowdon, and a thank you to my father who made our Santa's Grotto sign."

The town will be following on from the lights switch-on with a free Christmas carol concert tonight (5th) from 6:30pm featuring Truro Male Voice Choir, Penryn Forget-Me-Not Choir, The Chorus, and a finale by the Chairman of the Lighting Committee Mark Snowdon.

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