A CHRISTMAS lights tour of Watchet began with switching on festive displays at the Whitehall home of Elliot’s Touch charity.

Dozens of people attended to see more than 9,000 lights turned on and to be entertained by West Somerset Brass Band and Watchet Community Choir.

Carol singing as Elliot's Touch Christmas lights are turned on in Watchet. PHOTYO: Peter Mather.
Carol singing as Elliot's Touch Christmas lights are turned on in Watchet. PHOTO: Peter Mather. ( )

Father Christmas and resident Valerie Norman performed the official ceremony.

Nearly 20 other residents in Watchet have also decorated their homes with Christmas lights this year to form a trail through the town which can be followed on foot.

The lights should be on daily from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and until 10.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Some of the Elliot's Touch charity Christmas lights in Watchet. PHOTO: Peter Mather.
Some of the Elliot's Touch charity Christmas lights in Watchet. PHOTO: Peter Mather. ( )

Elliot’s Touch founder Donna Stevens said: “Thank you for everybody who came along, we had such a good and lovely crowd.”

The charity, which is planning a 10th anniversary ball next May, fund-raises for research into and raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and mitochondria.