Bob Geldof's on-off festive visit to Margate had a dazzling outcome on Saturday as the anti-poverty campaigner turned on the town's Christmas lights.

Hundreds turned out to watch the former Boomtown Rats singer illuminate the seaside resort. Local people were also treated to an impromptu gig from the 54-year-old, as he joined popular Kent band Billy Wears Dresses on stage for a duet of the Rod Stewart hit Maggie May.

kmfm breakfast DJ Johnny Lewis, who hosted the event, said: "It was fantastic to meet Sir Bob and he gave a really great speech before the switch on.

"He was tongue-in-cheek about the town which got everyone laughing, but he was adamant the town could and would be regenerated."

Sir Bob agreed to help turn on Margate's Christmas lights after upsetting local residents by referring to the town's "ugliness" in Kent County Council's free newspaper.

He pulled out of the event last week due to other commitments but changed his plans to allow him to perform the switch on and attend a political meeting in Qatar.

More pictures in this week's Thanet Extra