The stars came out to switch on Deal’s Christmas lights on Friday.

Former EastEnders actor Emma Barton and actor Richard Hurst, both starring in the pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, jointly pulled the switch to light up Deal High Street.

A big crowd which packed Deal town centre, had previously been entertained by kmfm’s Johnny Lewis and the Black Cat disco, Father Christmas on his sleigh, Deal Carnival Court and town youth mayor Kofie Behan.

The ceremony was organised by Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade.

Deal’s lights are environmentally friendly, AD ones, with bulbs which are claimed to last much longer than standard ones.

A picture special on the lights switch-on appears with this week's East Kent Mercury.