FAMILIES flocked to Dalton this evening for the town's exciting Christmas lights switch-on and the event didn't disappoint.

Reindeer, Father Christmas and a stunning projected light display on Dalton Castle were just some of the highlights of the festive event.

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The gala got under way at 5.30pm when scores of families gathered in Tudor Square for a procession, with children waving glow sticks and watching the parade pass by.

The crowd then marched to Dalton Castle to watch as the 14th-century building was illuminated with Christmas scenes and characters created by pupils from Dowdales School.

The mayor of Dalton, Councillor Nick Perie, then wished everybody a merry Christmas before the crowd was invited to take part in a 10-second countdown.

The special switch-on moment saw Dalton's majestic Christmas tree in Market Square lit up along with the whole of Market Street and Skelgate at 6.30pm.

Lord Hugh Cavendish, chairman of the Holker Estate Group, was one of the special guests.

He said: "It's a wonderful atmosphere. It's wonderful to see so many families here."

Sharon Wilkinson, from Barrow, travelled to Dalton with her two children, Thomas and Alice, saying they had been looking forward to it all week.

She said: "It was great for the children to see Father Christmas and the reindeer.

"It's been a lovely evening."

For more photos and coverage of tonight's event, see tomorrow's Evening Mail.