HUNDREDS of people from Helensburgh and far beyond flocked to Colquhoun Square for the official start of the town’s festive celebrations - the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

The switch was thrown to illuminate yet another spectacular lights display at the end of a full day of activity in the square, put together by the Helensburgh Festive Lighting Charitable Trust, with singers and dancers entertaining the growing crowd from 10am onwards.

Vivien Dance from the Trust said: “Wow, what a day! That was all the Helensburgh Elves could find to say as they sat in the square and enjoyed this year’s display of lights until the last of the crowds drifted away home.

“It was wonderful, a truly memorable day.

"Thank you to the many hundreds of people from the community who contributed to the event and also helped us achieve the town’s magnificent Christmas lights spectacle, and a huge thank you to the thousands of people who joined in the fun and helped to create such a warm and friendly atmosphere on the day.

“Last year only ten of us could gather to switch on the lights - this year we had a few more people join us!

“It felt so good to be back with all our friends and supporters just enjoying feeling happy and Santa was most impressed with the huge Helensburgh welcome - he so loved his fire engine ride.

“The photos from the day say it all.”