THERE was a fierce determination not to get down about the approach of winter in Church Stretton.

A Frost Fair was staged to celebrate the changing seasons and it culminated in the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

During the day the fair took place at the Mayfair Community Centre and included a visit from Father Christmas.

There was a chance to buy gifts from a range of stallholders selling crafts, books and food. A cafe was also open throughout the day.

People from the local area as well as visitors were able to enjoy the atmosphere that goes with the approach of Christmas at a traditional market town in the south Shropshire hills.

In the late afternoon as darkness fell Father Christmas, escorted unusually by a troop of belly dancers, went to the town square to turn on the lights.

But this was not all as music and entertainment continued into the evening.