AMESBURY is ready for Christmas after a festive market and tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday. The event was organised by the Lions Club and included a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, children’s rides, games, market stalls and festive fun.

Children got to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and share their Christmas wish list, while his wife showed off their reindeers and sleigh.

Mayor of Amesbury Ian Mitchell and his wife Beverly were joined by Clive Barnwell of the Rotary Club and chairman of the Stonehenge Chamber of Trade Jim Johnson to throw the switch and turn on the lights on the town’s large tree.

Stalls sold local produce, arts and crafts and festive gifts in time for the big day.

* Vandals pulled the lights off Amesbury’s Christmas tree in the run up to the lights switch-on event. The lights were put back on the tree in time for the ceremony.