The misery of coronavirus didn't stop a town centre being brightened by a Christmas tree.

The 28ft high tree in Market Square, Dover, is covered with 6,000 lights in blue and brilliant white all topped with a special festive star.

It is surrounded by more than 60 large snowflake decorations in matching blue and white.

They are spread throughout the town centre in Biggin Street and Cannon Street.

Crowds of townsfolk couldn't be there as usual to watch the lights switch-on because of social distancing restrictions.

But contractors quietly put up the tree and decorations.

All this was organised by Dover Town Council and its offices at Maison Dieu House, Biggin Street, has 11 mistletoe stars lighting up a nearby tree there.

The lights come on as it gets dark each day at 3.30pm and are switched off at 10.30pm. They will be there until January 4.

A council spokesman said: "Modern Christmas decorations move with the times and we have projectors in the Market Square and outside Maison Dieu House making magical light patterns with dancing snowflakes.

"Local businesses and Dover's High Street need your support especially now, but please act responsibly and in line with all the relevant Covid-19 restrictions."