SWITCHING on her town’s Christmas lights was an extra festive treat for a Dalton three-year-old back in 2000.

The Mail, on Saturday, December 2, noted: “Excited families crowded into Dalton last night as the magic of Christmas came to town.

“Busy streets rang with festive carols and the stirring sounds of the town’s brass band.

“Three-year-old Xena Fawkes, the niece of mayor Cllr Ian Singleton, had a Christmas to remember as she signalled the start of the celebrations.

“She pressed the button to light up the Christmas tree at Market Place to a big cheer from the crowd.

“Market Street flickered into life with fairy lights, Christmas trees and garlands lined along the terraces.

“The proceedings were opened by town crier Stuart Lawrence in period dress and St Mary’s Parish Church vicar Allan Mitchell addressed the crowds. Dalton councillors dished up sherry and mince pies.”

Three wise men on camels and a donkey carrying the Virgin Mary formed part of a grand procession into Tudor Square in 2008 for the big lights switch-on.

The Mail, on Monday, December 1, noted: “Crowds were wrapped up in their warmest winter woollies and children waved coloured glow sticks as they lined Market Street for a glimpse of Father Christmas.

“With his reindeer given the night off, Santa travelled in style aboard a horse-drawn cart in the front of the parade.

“Shepherds and a flock of sheep followed behind. The Barracudas Carnival Band anchored the procession with a unique take on classic festive tracks such as I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.”

That year also saw 50 charities, schools and organisations enter personalised Christmas trees in a festival held in St Mary’s Parish Church.

On Monday, December 3, in 2007, The Mail noted: “Hundreds of people watched as the festive parade wound its way through the streets.

“It was led by a horsedrawn carriage containing carnival queen Lyanne Maguire, 17, and charter princess India Douglas, 15.”