The people of Fakenham turned out in their droves for their town's Christmas lights extravaganza.

While youngsters attempted to hook a duck and shoppers bought gifts from the craft and charity stalls, the day saw favourites acts including amateur dramatics group Fadlos, First Academy of Dance, Fakenham Irish Dance School and Mad Science take to the stage to entertain the crowds.

Meanwhile, families flocked to Fakenham's parish church for the annual tree festival and people tucked into wood-fired pizzas and freshly made crepes.

Today's festivities culminated with the lights switch-on at 5pm with Santa pushing the button to light up the town before settling into his grotto.

Dominic West, from Fakenham, who was with his son Lewis, three, and wife Kirsty, said: 'There's been a very nice atmosphere and a lot of people turned up. The lights are very pretty and are much better than in previous years.'

Heidi Clark, 31, from Fakenham, who was with her four-year-old daughter Kaitlyn, said: 'It's been really enjoyable. There's been lots to do for the children, I especially liked Santa in his grotto.

'I think it's definitely better this year, the lights are a lot better than they used to be.'

The event was down to the hard work and dedication of Fakenham Area Partnership which organised the funding and installation of the lights, and KickStart Fakenham members helped at the actual event.

Town mayor Adrian Vertigan said it had been an 'amazing' day. 'It's been great with lots of people in town,' he said. 'The weather held up which was nice and the atmosphere is really, really good. I'm really pleased to see the people of Fakenham turn out.'

Meanwhile, the Rev Adrian Bell at Fakenham parish church, said the town's annual tree festival was proving to be even more popular than ever.

He said: 'We've had thousands of people come through the church, I had to go out and get more cakes as we had run out of everything.

'Never ever at this stage have we been so busy that I've had to go out desperately asking for extra cakes because we've sold out.

'And the lights in Fakenham are spectacular. We will be the envy of every market town in Norfolk.'