Children of Medway Maritime staff switched on Christmas lights at the hospital.

The event kicked off the festive period and featured a Chatham school choir singing carols.

The tots from the hospital’s nursery, Tiny Tugs, had the honour of switching on the lights.

Three-year-old Olivia, and four-year-olds Eesha, Luka, Anaiya and Cara took the starring role by pushing the big red button.

Nursery manager Amanda Richards said: “It is lovely for the children to be able to take part in this annual tradition and for their parents to watch this special occasion.”

Before the switch on, members of the Greenacre Academy and Walderslade Girls’ School choir sang Christmas carols.

Head of music at the Chatham school, Danielle Breckin, said: “We feel very privileged to be able to spread some Christmas cheer.

“The students have been working hard to perfect their performance and we're excited to be able to have this opportunity and raise some smiles at this time of year.”

A Christmas tree displayed in the hospital courtyard was also gifted by Elite Investigations, which provides security and surveillance systems for the NHS Trust.

Another two were donated by sponsors and are at the main entrance and in the Butterfly Garden.

Chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Jayne Black, said: “Christmas at Medway is always a special time.

“I would like to thank all our guests, the children from our fantastic onsite nursery Tiny Tugs who did such a brilliant job of turning the lights on for us and the local students who sang in the choir.

“I would also like to thank our generous local partners for donating the Christmas trees and decorations to their local hospital this year, and all those behind the scenes who work to make our annual Christmas tree lights switch on such a special occasion, including the Medway Hospital Charity.”