Janine Dyer brings the X-Factor to Mexborough's Christmas celebrations

Pictured with Santa are (from left): Cllr Sean Gibbons, Janine Dyer, Cllr Bev Chapman and Joanne Goodban of Wetherspoons.

Talent show singer Janine Dyer entertained crowds in High Street on Saturday ahead of the seasonal lights switch-on.

But the star attraction, as always, was Santa Claus, whose grotto had opened the week before.

He arrived in town on a sleigh provided by Mexborough & District Lions Club before handing out sweets to excited children.

Young visitors to the grotto received a book courtesy of social enterprise Re-Read, while families made the most of fairground rides, watched singer Saskia Jade in action, listened to entertainment from Trax FM and browsed Christmassy stalls.

Cllr Sean Gibbons, chair of Mexborough Events Committee Inclusive (MECI), said: “A huge thanks to everyone who supported this fantastic event and for all of the hard work put in by volunteers.

“Thank you to Janine Dyer who did the honours officially switching-on the lights, to businesses who supported the Christmas raffle and, of course, to Santa who brought so many children such happiness in his grotto and on his sleigh.”