THE spirit of Christmas was alive and well in Port Glasgow as its festive lights lit up the town.

Hordes of families joined the switch-on celebrations at the library on Wednesday where they were entertained by school choirs and the Salvation Army.

The Comet Festival Gala king and queen Cayden Arthur, a pupil at Port Glasgow High, and Alyssa Cunningham, of St Stephen's, did the switch on honours, along with Santa himself.

Councillors Drew McKenzie and Chris Curley also attended the event.

Councillor McKenzie, who acted as MC to welcome the crowd, said: "It went really well and it was a great atmosphere.

"The kids sang some lovely carols and the Salvation Army played - it was the real spirit of Christmas."

Youngsters from Craigmarloch, Newark, St Michael's St John's and St Francis' primaries struck the right chord with Away in A Manager, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Frosty The Snowman.

A council spokeswoman said: "The event was very successful.

"It was a good turn out and Santa was a huge hit as always. It was a lovely carol service too. The Salvation Army is always very kind in volunteering its time."