Ross Town Christmas lights not only look different this year, there are more of them and they are energy efficient. The new white LED lights were officially switched on on Saturday after an afternoon of entertainment focused in and around the Market House and High Street. There was some beautiful singing from The Voice Squad, lively carols from Ross Town Band and Steve Turner was rolling out some old favourites on his barrel organ whilst raising money for Macmillan.

More traders than usual have helped to light up Ross this year and the Marches Energy Agency were around to talk to people about how they can be more energy efficient and do their bit for the environment. Students from Aston University took along a special guest to the event, in the form of Rudolph, the LED-nosed reindeer. 'Rudolph' was attached to a bicycle and lots of local children enjoyed pedalling the cycle to make his nose light up.

Ross Town Council ran a competition for local children, inviting them to write in with ideas on how to make the town more energy efficient. The winner of the competition was presented with a prize by Ross Town Mayor, Councillor John Edwards

It was good to see so many residents turn up for the switch on of the lights, and despite the fact that it began to rain at the crucial moment, everybody enjoyed the event.

There is another special Ross Christmas Shopping Day this coming Sunday which has been organized by the Association of Ross Traders. There will be lots of entertainment, activities and charity stalls at Ross Market House as well as a chance to take part in a draw to win £1,000 in cash.