MORE than 200 local residents joined in the fun as Westminster Park, Chester was lit up in a family-friendly festive treat.

Children at Belgrave Primary School arrived to sing carols, and Santa appeared just in time to help with the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on.

The Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Stuart Parker, praised pupils of Belgrave Primary School for their excellent singing at the event, held at Westminster Park shops on Thursday, December 6.

The event was organised by Westminster Park Residents' Association (WPRA) and was generously supported by Councillors Razia Daniels and Neil Sullivan, who enabled the purchase of new lights this year from their members' budgets.

Plenty of refreshments were provided free for residents to enjoy. WPRA supplied mulled wine and juice, Bebbington's butchers cooked hotdogs, the fishmonger provided prawns and the Co-op generously contributed a selection of mince pies and cakes.

Santa rounded off the evening by listening to the children's Christmas wishes and giving them an early present of sweets and satsumas.