CHILDREN at Poulner School in Ringwood welcomed a special guest to get them into the Christmas spirit ready for this Saturday’s lights switch-on.

Roger the Ringwood Reindeer along with one of Santa’s elves visited the school last week.

He will be entertaining crowds on Saturday along with 16 elves who will be handing out free sweets on the day.

The elves will be encouraging children to take part in the free elves workshop in The Meeting House and the Lantern Parade, which starts at 5.30pm.

Organiser Mandy Oldfield, speaking about the event, said: “We have booked in lots of stalls and entertainment for the day and this is very much a family event. I think the children are going to be thrilled when they see Santa’s Grotto and get covered in snow from the snow machines.”

This will be the first switch-on for some time in Ringwood and local businesses have played a crucial role in helping fund the event along with the National Lottery and the town council. The town centre will also be closed to traffic.

Mayor Barbara Woodifield said: “We have had a fantastic response from local business and local people and I hope this event will encourage even more people to get involved in the future.”

All the Christmas lights have been replaced or improved and Christmas trees will be placed in the Market Place and Gateway. The mayor will switch on the lights at 6pm and the Ringwood Rock Choir will lead the crowd with carol singing.