THE Grand hotel marked the start of the festive season with a carol concert and light switch-on.

Carols were performed by children from Westdene Primary School, Brighton, with mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies served.

It was down to13-year-old Libby Trotter, of Burgess Hill, who was representing the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, to switch the lights.

The Rockinghorse Children’s Charity raises funds for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in which Libby is an oncology patient.

The charity is funding counselling services for the department and equipment.

Funds were raised on the night with a raffle and will continue to be collected until November 30.

Andrew Mosley, the hotel's general manager, said: “Our Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of the festivities. We were delighted to welcome guests to the hotel to enjoy this event, whilst supporting a charity that is very close to our hearts.”