The temperatures dipped, the snow fell and the crowds arrived in Marlow in their thousands to watch Edd China flick the switch on this year's Christmas lights last night. 

Having arrived on his mobile sofa – the fastest sofa in the world - he successfully launched the festive season in the town by turning on the Christmas lights to roars of approval from the crowd.

Edd was full of praise for the town and its residents as he addressed the crowds from the top of the Marlow Town Council double decker bus.

He said: “Over the past 20 years or so, I’ve seen Marlow change from a rather sleepy country town to this lively and interesting place with so much to offer.

"And we’ve all done that, all of us here. By voting with our feet and our wallets we have made Marlow a place for residents and businesses to thrive, so keep doing that.”

Town mayor Chris Funnell added: “Every year we get compliments for our stunning Christmas lights, and this year is no exception.

"I’d like to thank our generous sponsors for supporting us, and of course the marvellous Edd China for being such a brilliant guest. A fantastic start to the Christmas season in Marlow.”