MELTHAM has lit up for Christmas with brand new lights.

A number of events took place over the weekend starting with Santa arriving in the village last Friday.

The new lights were switched on at 6.30pm and mince pies, mulled wine, hot roast chestnuts and hot sandwiches were served.

On Saturday, the village church hall hosted a Christmas market with Punch and Judy, a Victorian tableau, children’s craft stall and singing from local schoolchildren.

The inaugural Santa Dash also took place, with runners tackling a 2.1km run along a marshalled route.

The Northern Lights Street Orchestra marched in illuminated clothing and performed in the church hall on arrival.

The weekend finished with carols in the Robert Ashton Memorial Park on Sunday.

The whole weekend was run with a Victorian theme, with traders dressing up and decorating their windows.