THE countdown to Christmas began in Stokenchurch last night as TV presenter Kate Garraway switched on the festive lights.

Bright coloured bulbs lit up the traditional tree and young carol singers sung Silent Night.

Hundreds flocked to the town's first Christmas Fayre, where Holly and Ivy, two real reindeer, and a mini ice rink were among the top attractions.

There was a panoply of stalls offering yuletide goodies, games, fun, laughter and plenty of early seasonal spirit at the event, next to the King's Hotel.

The West Wycombe Brass Band also provided musical entertainment on a night which organisers aimed to raise as much cash as possible for Iain Rennie Hospice at Home.

Daybreak presenter Kate told the scores of families eagerly awaiting the light switch on: “What a great idea this is, I think, because everyone loves the spirit of Christmas.

“It's everyone bringing together for a really fun night with lots of opportunities to buy presents and have a laugh too, it's really great idea.

"And it's to raise money for a brilliant cause, Ian Rennie Hospice.”

She thanked everyone involved in organising the fayre, then conducted a ten second countdown cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd before the illuminations were finally on and Christmas could begin for the town.

Elaine Parrish, one of the organisers, said residents had wanted something more than the tree for Christmas this year, something with a “wow factor” so a fayre had been created.

“It's been fun being involved, there's a good community spirit here," she said.

"The biggest attraction has been the ice rink, we have had people queuing up all afternoon asking to go on.”

Much of the event was sponsored by Stokenchurch's Betty Messenger, including the reindeer, which Mrs Parrish said had been a hit with youngsters.

“It's been wonderful for the kids,” she said.

Tim West, The Kings Hotel, Alber Phippen and Stokenchurch Service Station were the other main sponsors.