Mayor switches on Bexhill lights

But despite the minor technical problems, and bitterly cold weather, a small gathering of Bexhill folk cheered loudly when town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon switched on the new 100,000 Christmas lights on Saturday.

He prompted laughter when he said: "I'm sorry If you were expecting pantomime characters, dancing girls, and fireworks because I'm afraid you've got me instead!"

He added: " We've got a lovely town here in Bexhill and I hope once we've turned on the lights you'll spend the rest of the afternoon walking round the town and take a look at some of our lovely independent shop displays."

The crowd happily got into the spirit of things and joined in with the Mayor's countdown to flicking the switch and, although there was a minor electrical fault (blamed on a time delay system), the lights were soon shining down on the streets.

Also present were local councillor Joy Williams and president of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Ainsley Gill, who reminded everyone of the next not-to-be-missed Christmas event in the town:

"Christmas late night shopping is on Friday, December 7 and we'll have lots going on in the town. There will be carol singing in Devonshire Square from 4 to 7pm, with the local schools and choirs creating the atmosphere. The Christmas tree will be lit on the evening and throughout the town there will be entertainers. Charlie the Clown and several other entertainers will be going around the streets entertaining the children, there's free face painting in Western Road and Sackville road and a Scots pipers band so please come along and hopefully we will all have a wonderful day and evening."