Crowds turned out in force for the ceremonial switching-on of Otley's Christmas lights in the Market Square on Monday.

Town Mayor Cllr Jonathan Kirkland welcomed everyone on a cold and crisp evening, and led the prayers and carols from 6.45pm with the Vicar of Otley Parish Church, the Rev Graham Buttanshaw.

The lights were officially switched on by Otley schoolchildren Siobhan Keighley, seven, Joshua Ginn, ten, Elisabeth Ginn eight, and Eleanor Ginn, five, after which the crowds enjoyed more carol singing and music by Otley Brass Band.

Town clerk Ian Plumtree said: "It was a really good, cheerful community evening and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

"There was a good turnout, the market square was full and there were lots of children involved, which is good to see. It was a great fun event."

YTV weather girl Jo Blythe will switch on the Christmas lights at Burley-in-Wharfedale tomorrow at 4.30pm.

And locals are hoping she'll help keep the rain away after a downpour put a dampener on the village's first Christmas street market last year.

The ceremony, which will be followed by a firework display, will be the culmination of a day of Christmas festivities in the town.

The market will start at noon and will run until 5.30pm. And during the afternoon visitors will be treated to music from Otley Town Band and the joint choir of Burley's two schools.

In Horsforth, the switch-on will be performed by the Lord mayor of Leeds, Coun Chris Townsley, at 4pm tomorrow.

Entertainment at the event will be provided by the Horsforth Leeds City Band, the Froebelian School Choir and the Horsforth Choral Society. Father Christmas will pop in.