THE rain could not dampen the spirits of Prestwood residents as they celebrated the switching on the Christmas lights this evening.

Hundreds turned out in the drizzle to watch Niamh Chambers, six switch on the lights in the High Street.

The Prestwood Infant School pupil won a competition to design a Christmas poster for the town.

Earlier Father Christmas made his way through the town.

Traders laid on food, including marshmallows and a pig roast. Residents skated on an ice rink, a first for the village.

Organiser Laurel Swayne said: “It has been a total sell out, it has been really popular.”

Villagers sang carols with accompaniment by Amersham Town Band.

It is the third year the event has taken place.

Mrs Swayne said: “It is part of Christmas – we are giving something back to the public and community.”

A collection was taken and will go to local branches of the MS Society and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

The cash will also support The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund, which honours Prestwood teenager Thomas Ball, who died in 2003 aged 14 from neuroblastoma.