The Christmas spirit arrived in Beckenham on Saturday when hundreds of people attended the annual candlelit parade and Christmas tree lights switch-on.

The parade was held from 4pm at the Croydon Road Recreation Ground, and involved a drumming band and Father Christmas, while the tree was switched on at Beckenham Green at 5pm.

Both events were organised Beckenham Business Association, whose chairwoman Jackie Groundsell said: “We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community – both business and residential – in giving their time, vehicles, providing free food and drink along the Parade route and generally making it the success it was.”