It's the Shropshire Christmas lights fantastic!

The festive season was welcomed in Wem, Ellesmere, Newport, Shifnal, Welshpool and Much Wenlock – as well as Dawley, Oakengates and Madeley in Telford last night.

In Telford, the town's pantomime stars from Cinderella turned on a display in Oakengates.

Strictly Come Dancing star Camilla Dallerup was joined by Telford actress Lucy Pollard – who takes the title role in this year's production at The Place Theatre – co-star Ricky K, who plays Buttons, and X Factor's Joseph Whelan to flick the switch.

Joseph also reopened the Hare and Hounds pub after a big refurbishment and performed a set with his band at the Duke of York pub.

Landlady of the Duke of York, Julie Alvert , said the whole evening went very well.

She said: "The town was absolutely packed, the schools all sang and some people have been saying it is the best one ever.

"There were a couple of thousand people."

It followed an afternoon of entertainment, including music from the Salvation Army band and performances from Wrockwardine Wood arts college students.

In Dawley, the festivities started at about 4pm with children's activities in Dawley Christian Centre.

The action then moved outside with entertainment from Captain Webb primary school's choir, Southall School pupils presenting songs from their pantomime, song and dance from youngsters from Telford Stage School then a performance from street dance crew DNA.

The lights were switched on at 5pm by MP for Telford David Wright and Telford mayor Councillor Kevin Guy in front of a crowd of about 300 people.

Councillor Kuldip Sahota said it was a family-friendly evening.

He said: "We had hundreds of people and everyone was in the festive mood.

"There was a merry-go-round for the children and it was a bit cold but the shops were open and the High Street was packed."

Great Dawley parish clerk David Griffiths said the children's art activities had been a particular draw. He said: "There have been a lot of children enjoying the activities and we have also decorated the room with artwork from our Christmas competition, which has made quite a feature."

Mr Wright was then hot-footing from Dawley to switch on the lights in Madeley, where he was joined by nine local children who won a competition to have their artwork included in the new parish calendar.

Parish council clerk Kath Petty said a whole host of entertainment was included in the switch-on event, which is always attracts big crowds.

She said: "It's always a good event with a really good turnout and the weather was nice, which always helps."

As well as the switch-on, there was a market, zumba demonstration, fairground rides, street entertainment and children's activities. The Boys Brigade drummers beat a path for Father Christmas up the High Street to his grotto. And entertainment was provided by acts from Telford's Talent, Dance Aspirations and children from John Randall Primary school accompanied by the Telford Jubilee Band.

In Shifnal the Ugly Sisters from the Telford pantomime took centre stage to illuminate the town at 6.30pm.

Town Councillor, Kevin Turley, said: "The centre of the town was full for the count down for the big switch-on. It was even bigger this year and children and families seemed to have a good night. The stall holders said they'd had a good night and there were about 200 people.

"The Telford Lions were also kind enough to provide a Father Christmas once again."