Medway Council spent almost £4,000 on children’s characters to switch on this year’s Christmas lights.

The cash was spent on Marshall from the TV series Paw Patrol appearing in Strood, Scrat from the Ice Age movies in Gillingham and The Gruffalo, from the much-loved Julia Donaldson book, in Rainham.

Each character cost £1,295, totalling £3,885, which included turning on the lights and posing for photos with children.

In Rochester and Chatham, it was panto stars from The Central Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk, who did the honours, which did not cost the council any extra money.

Medway has been named in the national press for being one of the council’s which has forked out thousands on characters or so called ‘z-list’ celebrities to turn on festive lights.

In Belfast, more than £6,000 went on The Clangers, plus £5,500 for Lily from the children’s TV series Driftwood Bay.

Barnsley paid £3,295 for its Paw Patrol appearances and Chorley paid The Voice winner Kevin Simm £2,000.

In Carlisle, £8,500 went on 2014 X Factor winner Ben Haenow and Wayne Woodward and Bailey McConnell, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent,

The spends have been criticised by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “Medway’s Christmas lights switch on events mark the start of the festive season locally, and thousands of families head to their local town centre, of which there are five in Medway, to enjoy the activities on offer.

"That includes a meet and greet with the characters for young children, as well as an evening of entertainment to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

“Not only do we feel it is important to continue to offer events that residents can enjoy with their families, it’s also a good opportunity to draw thousands of people to our high streets, benefitting local traders and businesses.”

Last year Medway spent £6,290 on six characters to appear across four towns.