Hi: 20° Lo:11° 7 day

Buy photos » Father Christmas with the crowds who had gathered for the switch-on. Pictures by Neville Collins. 47012020ncb11
MORE than 800 people came out to support Bromsgrove’s annual Christmas lights switch-on, which took place on Saturday (November 17).
The big countdown took place at 5.30pm before civic head, Coun Janice Boswell, and youngsters Ella and Logan Walters pushed down the plunger and illuminated the town.
Prior to the switch-on, there was a variety of entertainment for the crowds to enjoy, including a roadshow and singers performing festive classics.
Father Christmas, accompanied by a snowman and a reindeer, also met the crowds on an evening which certainly had the festive feelgood factor.
Coun Boswell said: “The lights were so magical and it was a privilege to switch them on.
“They are such contemporary lights as well which means they will be able to light up the High Street for this festive season and for many years to come.”
Tomorrow (Saturday), Rubery’s annual Christmas lights switch-on will take place.
The Primrose Hospice’s Lights of Love tree in Bromsgrove, as well as the one which will be illuminated in Rubery, have been donated by Lord and Lady Cobham.
The festive tree in The Strand came from Cobblestone Paving in Droitwich.
Buy photos» A Frosty reception! - A snowman was among those entertaining the crowds. 47012020ncb6
Buy photos» Bromsgrove Town Crier Kevin Ward, civic head, Coun Janice Boswell and Rev Rick White. 47012020ncb5
Buy photos» Ella and Logan Walters and Bromsgrove District Council's civic head, Coun Janice Boswell. 47012020ncb10
Buy photos» There was plenty of Christmas entertainment. 47012020ncb1 www.buyphotos247.com
Buy photos» There was plenty of festive music played. 47012020ncb2
Buy photos» Sophie Field singing during the pre-switch-on entertainment. 47012020ncb3
Buy photos» The crowds got into the Christmas spirit. 47012020ncb8
Buy photos» 47012020ncb7
Buy photos» Shawthing's Laura and Sophie Shaw. 47012020ncb4
1 Russian Convoys hero honoured 70 years after missions
2 Bromsgrove to get new Homebase and Pets at Home
3 Barnt Green man in court over indecent child photographs
4 Bromsgrove woman in court over sexual offences
5 Former Frankley High School teacher jailed over sex offences
AN ORGANISATION which has helped thousands of Bromsgrove
LONG-suffering rail commuters travelling from Bromsgrove to Birmingham
A CYCLIST suffered a head injury and a
SENTIMENTAL jewellery was stolen from a home in

A DISTINCTIVE laptop was taken by thieves during a burglary ...
A TRADER who caused unnecessary suffering to a rabbit he ...
A PRISONER who went on the run after being released ...
A CANNABIS farm has been uncovered by police a village ...