RESIDENTS in Stanford-le-Hope celebrated the switch on of the town's Christmas Tree in Sunday evening (10 December) and the arrival of Father Christmas.

The annual community event again proved a popular success thanks to the efforts of the town's Blooming Marvels community group, the vicar - Rev Tom Rout - and congregation of St Margaret's Church and a host of volunteers.

Local businesses supported the event with the tree provided by Wharf Timber and tea, coffee and mulled wine provided for free by the Inn in the Green.

Due to problems with wet weather it looked at one point as if there would be no music or sound system but Wayne Bronze stepped up at the last minute to provide a system and added his joyful commentary to the evening's proceedings.

Members of Stanford and Corringham Carnival provided Santa's sleigh and as the great man arrived his helpers collected for Little Havens Hospice. Carnival stalwarts Dave and Cherie Sergeant will be out and about on local roads continuing tot collect this week, check out Cherie's Facebook page for updates.

Lin Dobinson Swords, on behalf of the organisers, summed up the event, saying: "With heavy rain on Sunday morning we were really concerned if we would be able to go ahead and the weather caused problems for our original sound providers but thankfully Wayne was able to step in at the last minute, so a great deal of thanks are due to him.

"Also to Kevin and Carol from Wharf Timber, to Alison and the team at the Inn in the Green and to David and Cherie and the Carnival crew.

"And to the congregation and mums and dads and youngsters from St Margaret's (and Rev Tom) for a lovely nativity and carols.

"Last but not least to the volunteers and supporters of the Blooming Marvels who helped man the road closure and helped in so many ways."

Santa's arrival:

The Nativity: