Selby erupted into a blaze of glory as the town's Christmas lights were switched on.

Young and old gathered in excitement to watch the grand switch-on in Micklegate, on Saturday afternoon.

After carols from the Barlby Foot-tappers Band and a countdown from the crowd, Selby Mayor Coun John Chambers pulled the switch that brought Micklegate alive.

This year's display includes three Christmas trees, multi-coloured lights strung along Finkle Street, lamp post displays in Gowthorpe, and a nativity scene in the Market Cross.

Meanwhile, stepping back into the past brought scenes of Victoriana to Tadcaster as the town's Christmas lights were switched on.

The Victorian fair saw hundreds of people on the streets of the brewery town, where they enjoyed stalls, a brass band and a funfair for children.

The town's Christmas lights were also illuminated.

Carol Simpson, owner of Kirkgate dress agency Room 3, got into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up as a Victorian lady.

The event, organised annually by Tadcaster Town Council, raises money for local charities, including the Selby District Council chairman's chosen fund.

Coun Don Bain-Mackay, chairman of publicity and amenities for the council, said: "We try to get a Victorian feel.

"The day was very, very well attended."

In Malton, a touch of glamour was brought to the Christmas lights switch-on by gorgeous MS York Georgia Horsley.

Georgia, 18, hails from Norton, and said she was delighted to be asked to turn on the town's festive lights.

She said: "It was great to come and sit with Santa in the sleigh, but one thing I didn't understand was why it was a different Santa each time, I thought there was only one!"

Updated: 10:23 Monday, December 05, 2005