MEMBERS of the public have hailed the Melksham light switch on as a huge success following all of the work from the lighting team and the community.

Starting off with the arrival of Father Christmas into the town at 2pm on Saturday (December 3), the centre of Melksham was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming light switch on and firework display.

Jean Harris, finance officer for Melksham Town Council, said: “I was in the Assembly Hall working on the stalls for most of the day but the lights look absolutely wonderful. Father Christmas came in at 2pm and then the fireworks display was set off at 5pm just as the lights went on.”

The lights, organised by a volunteer group, were switch on by young Harry Kirkman who was supported by the people of Melksham to help pay for a life changing operation for his cerebral palsy.

Alan Weymouth, 70, member of the group, said: “There was a lot of anticipation in the town on the run up towards the light switch on, it takes a lot of work, the feedback we have had from the public has been fantastic. Harry hit the switch with the mayor, instead of having someone like Torvill and Dean we like to have local heroes and after the fundraiser to help pay for his operation it was a nice thing for him to do.

“I am ecstatic about how the lights went, it looks wonderful, I am just absolutely delighted with it all and all the hard work the group has done.”

The audience were also entertained with musical performances by The Decibelles as well as a welcoming by MP Michelle Donelan.