Dozens of people gathered with festive cheer to celebrate the switch-on of the Christmas lights in The Lanes.

Crowds grabbed mulled wine and enjoyed carols by the Brighton Gay Man's Choir at the event in Hanningtons Lane, Brighton, yesterday evening.

Shoppers gasped in awe and applauded as the lights came on, with help from the Theatre Royal's mouse mascot Skip.

Cath Cookson from Hanningtons Brighton said it was “fantastic” to see such a big crowd attend this year's festivities.

She said: “The retailers just love it - they've got their beautiful Christmas windows and it brings in more footfall and it's a lovely time of year.”

She also encouraged those getting their Christmas gifts to shop local and support Brighton's independent businesses over the festive season.

The start of the event was delayed after an incident which saw police chase a man through Hanningtons Lane.

A 30-year-old man from Worthing has been arrested and remains in police custody.