THE annual Christmas lights switch-on in Carhampton Community Orchard was celebrated with festive food and drink and carols.

This year, the lights were switched on by four-year-old villager Charlie Taphouse-Burt in front of more than 40 residents who turned out fort he occasion.

The village band, which forms each year for the occasion, also performed and a total of £80 was raised on the night for the International Red Cross appeal for Gaza and Israel.

Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the Christmas lights event in the orchard, which also hosts a traditional wassail on Twelfth Night, in January.

It will be the last time the wassailing is led by Martyn Babb, because he will be leaving the village next year.

Carhampton Orchard is run by volunteers and celebrated its 25th anniversary as a community orchard and registered charity this year.