RESIDENTS braved the wind and rain on Friday night for the switching-on of Old Amersham's Christmas lights.

Choirs entertained the crowds and the town's shops stayed open late for an evening of festive fun.

Thames Valley Police's Chief Constable, Sara Thornton, was invited along to do the honours.

Organiser Martin Brooks, chairman of the Amersham Society, said: “We were very pleased to get the Chief Constable. It was very nice for a number of people to meet someone who's so important in our lives.”

And he added: “The signs are good we can get a bigger and better event next year.”

Amersham Mayor Martin King paid tribute to those who helped organise the event.

He said: “It's been hard work but by God they have worked hard.”

Cllr King said of the evening itself: “It was cold and wet but people got behind it.”

The winner of the best Christmas window display competition was also announced, with the top prize going to Liz Quilters in High Street.

More prizes are set to be given out this Friday, when the Christmas lights will also be switched on in Amersham-on-the-Hill by the UK's top Elvis impersonator, Rob Kingsley.

Over £2,000 worth of prizes will be given away in a festive raffle.

Sycamore Road and part of Hill Avenue will be closed to traffic from 2.30pm onwards, with the lights set to be lit up at 7pm.

Cllr King said: “It's going to be big – it's grown and grown over the weeks.”