CHRISTMAS lights are twinkling into action all over Huddersfield.

Over the weekend, several villages held their switch-on ceremonies.

Children at Pole Moor had the honour of switching on their village lights on Friday.

Four pupils from Wilberlee Junior and Infant School at Slaithwaite were chosen by Pole Moor Residents' Interest Group to perform the switch-on.

They were picked after winning the residents' group's competition to design the official Pole Moor village Christmas card for 2005.

After the ceremony, pupils from Wilberlee performed a medley of festive songs around the Christmas tree.

The guest of honour, Santa Claus, then paid a surprise visit to children at the Jack O'Mitre pub on New Hey Road, Scammonden.

In Marsden, the big switch-on was held on Saturday.

Prior to the big moment, food was served in Marsden United Church and stalls were set up on Argyle Street by Dirker Tenants' and Residents' Association and Marsden Hospice Support Group.

Many of Marsden's shops also opened for evening trading.

Street entertainers performed and the Unity Choir sang by the Christmas tree on Argyle Street.

The switch-on was followed by a fireworks display and children's entertainment from Simmo the Balloon Man at Marsden Conservative Club.

Santa Claus also paid a special visit.

The Unity Choir also performed a concert in Marsden United Church to launch its new CD.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards the village's Christmas lights fund.

Slaithwaite held its lights ceremony on Saturday.

At 7pm, the lights on the village tree and shops in the main street flicked into life.

The event was organised by Slaithwaite Community Association.

At the same time, at St James's Church in Slaithwaite, a Christmas tree festival began.

Thirty trees were on display at the church.

They had been decorated with different festive themes by local businesses, community groups, schools and church members.

Sarah Brown, of the church council, said: "Both events went really well and brought the community together."

In Holmfirth, actress Lesley Dunlop switched on the lights.

Lesley - who plays senior district nurse Anna in ITV's Where The Heart Is - performed the ceremony outside the Picturedrome Cinema on Saturday.

While filming Where The Heart Is around the Colne and Holme Valleys, Lesley fell in love with the area and bought a house in Scholes two years ago.

Holme Valley Business Association invited her to perform the switch-on, which also included seasonal music, competitions and children's entertainers.