Here are what are believed to be the first town Christmas lights to have been switched on in Britain this year.

A Tenterden High Street tree festoned with bulbs has been lit up... and will stay that way every day until the festive season.

It might only be August, but the tree was a test for Tenterden Chamber of Commerce to see what it can do with reduced funding after its £15,000 of lights went missing last year from the fire station at St Michael's.

Chamber events officer Jonathan Medes said: "It looks pretty good. With the money we have, we will be able to light some of the big trees this year, so Tenterden will not be in the dark."

The chamber has been fundraising for replacement lights.

It used two sets, which had not gone missing as they were not being stored with the others, for a tree by the bus stop at the junction with Highbury Lane.

"We chose that tree as on Sunday, The Vine opposite held a fundraising quiz for us," said Mr Medes. "In the interval, we went outside to see the tree lit up.

"The lights are timed to come on at 9.15pm and go off at 11.30pm. This is a sample tree and if we like it, we can get working on others.

"We think we will be able to get lights in 10 trees, in addition to the small trees and lights above the shops. At least there will be some impact."

The chamber has suggested the town council take over responsibility and funding for the lights in future.

At a council meeting last week, it was agreed a sub-committee should be formed to look into that.

Mr Medes added: "Whatever happens, there will be lights this year. We are doing something."

The quiz at The Vine raised £180 to add to the £5,000 already collected by the chamber.

Have you seen any early Christmas decorations in Kent? Email multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk.