The festivities came to Old Amersham last week as the music filled the air, shops were open late and a skating rink was placed on Market Square.

The Christmas lights were also switched on by Lesley Nicol - Downton Abbey’s Mrs Patmore, Sarah Green MP and the Mayor Cllr Mark Roberts.

The event was organised by the Old Amersham business association and held in support of the Scannappeal charity, to raise funds for their current appeals to provide scanners and medical equipment for our local NHS hospitals.

The Reverend Adam Wells led the St Mary’s School children, accompanied by the Amersham Band, in singing carols around the Christmas tree, which had been decorated by the team at Su Chases Interiors.

They were followed by the Dr Challoner’s High School choir, Amersham Rock Choir, Chalfont Wind Band and the Broadside Barbershop Quartet.

The magic was provided by Santa’s Grotto and his reindeer underneath the Market Hall, together with the skating rink on Market Square, which was sponsored by McCarthy and Stone and Gilbey’s Restaurant.

A number of other local businesses also gave generous sponsorship to make the evening possible with the Old Amersham business association also thanking Old Amersham Hotels, Halma plc, The Entertainer, Phlexglobal Ltd, Baron Estates Ltd, Tesco Amersham and Maximon Solutions.