Cinderella escaped her ugly sisters to turn on Kingston's Christmas lights last night in a riot of colour.

The star of the Rose's upcoming Christmas production joined Santa on the Radio Jackie stage to press the button.

Thousands of people packed into Clarence Street outside the Bentall Centre to join in  the countdown.

An extra twinkle was added outside Kingston station with a ‘Hollywood’ tree studded with thousands of tiny white LED lights.

Behind the scenes more than 50 volunteers greeted visitors at the information kiosk and the visitor centre in the Market House.

Ros Morgan, chief executive for Kingstonfirst, said: “It was wonderful to once again see so many smiling faces in the crowd for the Big Switch On.
 

"The range of entertainment and the chance to see the lights switch on is always incredibly popular and the crowds at 6pm appeared to be even bigger than last year, stretching all the way along Clarence Street.
 

"There was a real festive atmosphere and we would like to thank everyone for attending the event, as well as everyone involved in making it happen including the countless volunteers and helpers without whom it would have been possible."