Hundreds of residents and traders turned out in the pouring rain to see Lewes' Christmas lights switched on and to tell the world their town is back in business.

The streets were full of shoppers and onlookers as BBC TV presenter Sally Taylor flicked the switch last night.

Traders aimed to bring festive cheer to the town following months of misery caused by October's devastating floods.

They opened the doors of their shops and served food and drink until 9pm.

Clowns, pirates and other unusual characters paraded the streets to boost spirits and raise funds for the Lewes Flood Appeal.

Sounds of jazz and carols filled the air at one end of town, while at the other the Surrey Pipe Band marched in and out of shops.

The message on everyone's lips was that Lewes is still a shopping town and many of the stores will be open for Christmas.

Even those whose shops were worst hit by the floods, and whose businesses will not be open until well into the New Year, turned out to give their support.

John Edwards, who runs Inter Sport in Cliffe High Street and the hiking and camping shop opposite, said: "Although we are in the middle of rebuilding the shop, we just wanted to give a little festive cheer to customers and show them we are raring to go."

Newsagent Gordon Calfe, whose shop will not reopen before February, said: "It's just to meet up with the customers, to say happy Christmas and let them know we are still here. It's for goodwill really."

Picture framer Bernard Cornwell said: "We just wanted to join in the spirit of the occasion and show our faces. It's about showing the town as a whole is in business."

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "It has been well attended in spite of the weather. I look forward to a Christmas present from the Government for the people of Lewes."

Also at the switch-on was Julia Black, who went into labour during the flood and made part of the journey to hospital by tractor.

She was there with her new son, appropriately named Harry Noah Black.