Hundreds turned out to watch as festive lights were switched on in Rochester tonight.

Popular children's characters joined kmfm presenters to start the countdown to Christmas in the town.

The kmfm team are visiting five festive light switch-ons across the Towns this festive season.

Strood and Chatham's were turned on last week, Gillingham was last night and Rochester tonight.

The last switch-on will be in Rainham on Friday, December 3. Peter Rabbit will be meeting children in the library from 2pm with more entertainment around the town from 3.45pm and the lights will be switched on at 5pm

The events are being sponsored by Specsavers Medway, which has branches in Strood, Chatham and Gillingham.

Director Punit Patel said: "As local businesses in Medway, Specsavers Chatham, Gillingham and Strood are extremely happy to be sponsoring the Medway Christmas Light switch on for another year.

"Christmas for most is a very magical time of the year, so for us it is a wonderful chance to support an event that is enjoyed by hundreds of people from our local community. It’s something our teams look forward to and love to get involved in.

"With all that is happening in the world, it is more important than ever that those who have suffered loneliness, isolation, or have had their mental health impacted due to the pandemic have some festive cheer.

"The lights might seem such a small thing but to some - especially families with children, those with disabilities, the elderly - they are the beginning of a happy time of year full of joy, wonder and magic.

"From all of us at Specsavers Medway we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Read more: All the latest news from Medway