Hundreds turned out despite lashing rain to witness the official switch-on of the Christmas lights display in Foxley Road, Queenborough.

At 7pm on Saturday, two firework rockets were launched and dozens of switches were flicked to illuminate the road as a fantastic winter wonderland.

Almost every house takes part and families from across the Island and further afield arrived to see the displays and make donations.

The event, which is in its 10th year, was also supported by the St John Ambulance band, who played carols, and BRFM, who played festive music.

Father Christmas arrived in style on a sleigh designed and built by the engineering, woodwork and paintshop workshops at Swaleside prison, using off-cuts of wood and other recycled materials.

One of the organisers Pat Down said they had bought 336 burgers and 180 sausages plus rolls for the barbecue and were grateful to Tesco for their donation.

Other organisers include Pat’s husband John and neighbours Phil and Sharon Williams.

The event has already made more than £800 for charity and organisers are hoping to smash last year’s £2,000 record.

Mrs Down said: “It’s the most people I have ever seen. We did have some burgers left over, but I think because of the weather some people decided not to stay.

“It was fantastic though. People are so generous. Once all the money has been counted up we will decided which local charities we will support. One will definitely be Queenborough Church and we have been asking for suggestions for others.”

As well as queues for the barbecue stall, there were also queues for Santa’s Grotto and the raffle stall.

The organisers thanked everyone who donated and to the businesses who provided prizes for the raffle.