ACTOR Jack Ryder officially welcomed Christmas to Margate at an official big switch-on of the town’s festive illuminations.

The former EastEnders star, who plays Prince Charming in panto at Canterbury this year, was joined by local dignitaries on an open-top bus ahead of the official ceremony.

Fireworks across the harbour and music on the seaside piazza ensured the event went with plenty of zing and fizz, while a firework display flooded the sky with colourful starbursts to coincide with the switch on of the lights.

The new lights and decorations in the High Street are due to the efforts of Margate Town Partnership that held fund raising events throughout the spring and summer and sought sponsorship to put a Christmas package together to improve the appearance of the town and attract customers.

Partnership chairman Frank Thorley said: “Numerous people have worked towards creating a new Christmas lighting scheme for Margate, but special thanks are due to Impressions Café, Focus Solutions Training Company and Constructiv Builders for their most generous contributions.”

Steve Ralf, managing director of the Focus to Work Trust Limited and a major sponsor, is “simply pleased to be able to put something back into the town for the enjoyment of the people of Margate”.

Show stopping end pieces wishing a Merry Christmas welcome shoppers to the High Street while festoons and garlands of lights complete the scheme. Seasonal mobiles are suspended from shop fronts, supporting Margate’s contemporary arts image. In the old town, thousands of tiny white lights adorn trees and buildings.

Santa has taken up residence in his High Street grotto, created by the Focus to Work Trust, in conjunction with the town partnership and the Isle of Thanet Arts.

Children aged three or over can stay with Santa’s helpers in the Christmas creche, run by qualified staff from the Palm Bay Nursery at Cliftonville.

They promise loads of Christmas activities to keep excited youngsters busy while their parents shop.

For more information about the crèche and to book places contact: 01843 221212.