A Moray village has an added sparkle this winter now its first-ever Christmas lights have been switched on.
A crowd packed Portgordon village square to watch seven-year-oldLanthe Mitchell throw the switch and light up decorations in the trees.
Her name was drawn from the hat in a ballot of primary school children to decide who would getthe the honour.
Organisers were rushed off their feet due to the interest in the event with talks already taking place to grow the inaugural celebrations for next year.
Earlier in the day hundreds of shoppers stocked up on Christmas presents from dozens of stalls to pass onto loved ones.
Yesterday Pringle George, secretary of Portgordon Groups, praised the “tremendous support” from the community.
She said: “It really was very successful. We were rushed off our feet at times. We think it could maybe be grown for next year.
“There has never been Christmas lights in the square before. We felt a bit left out. It will give everyone a small lift, especially the youngsters in the village.”
Despite the unusually mild weather for the time of year, sales of mulled wine and hot chocolate were popular with shoppers eager to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Organisers landed £1,600 earlier this year from the Money for Moray scheme to pay for the fair and lights with the harbour group, village hall, fireworks group and Portgordon Post all contributing to the event.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead attended the celebrations.
He said: “It’s always a pleasure to attend events in Portgordon because everyone is always so friendly and the village has a very strong community spirit with a dedicated band of people who put in a power of work to make things happen.
“This year has been extra special with the Christmas lights and market, which was by all accounts a huge success.”
