AN enthusiastic crowd welcomed the festive season to Worcester when the city's Christmas lights were switched on.

Eight-year-old Laura Garton, from St John's, was the lucky winner of the Evening News competition to help the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Gareth Jones, turn the lights on.

Hundreds of shoppers crammed outside the Guildhall to cheer the switch-on at 5.30pm last night, with a jazz band on hand to spread a little musical warmth.

A procession of mace-bearers then led the group to Cathedral Plaza for the switch-on.

Laura completed a festive crossword to win £50 in shopping vouchers, and £100 for her school, Pitmaston Primary in St John's.

Nine-year-old Stephanie Bird from Sale Green near Droitwich and Laura Milton, 10, from Northwick, also won £50 in shopping vouchers after being picked from 164 other entries.