Father Christmas made a surprise appearance at Hurst’s Christmas tree lights switch on.
Not a usual visitor at the event, he handed round chocolate to children among the 400 people at the St Nicholas Night celebration on Sunday.
Adults enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies at the evening organised by Hurst Parish Council on the School Road recreation ground.
Waltham St Lawrence Band accompanied carol singing. Next, the Christmas tree lights were switched on by St Nicholas Primary School governors chair Catherine Westerling.
Parish Council chair Penny Curry said: “We have had great support from Waitrose and also from Haines Hill Estate, Chocoholics, and Fig and Fleur catering company which are all in Hurst.
“There has been enormous help from my fellow parish councillors and people behind the scenes.
“We have new lights for the evening and are really extremely grateful for all the help with them.”
