IT was Pershore's turn on Friday night to light up the county with the turning on of the town's Christmas illuminations.

Four-year-old Katherine Canvin did the honours, watched over by her grandfather Gerald Canvin, president of Pershore Rotary Club, and Pershore Mayor John Grantham.

Dozens of people braved the cool evening air to watch the lights go on and the Christmas tree light up in Broad Street.

For the second year, money was raised for charities through companies sponsoring a light on the tree, or through people dedicating a light to a loved one.

Organiser Ken Bouchard, of Pershore Rotary Club, said the scheme had already raised double last year's amount.

The money will go towards an overnight facility for visitors at St Richard's Hospice, in Worcester, and to Acorns Children's Hospice.