S CLUB 7 got families reaching for the stars at Rochford's Christmas lights switch-on.

Hundreds of people lined the Market Square for the event.

Along with stalls, Santa’s grotto, prizes, carol singers and more, Tina, Jo and Bradley from the band sang and switched on the lights.

Among the families there were Vikki Betmead, 31, of Ashingdon Road, Rochford, and five-year-old son Aston.

She said: "There was a lovely community spirit, with everything going on lately and waking up Sunday morning to the news of the Christmas tree being cut down, it was lovely to see everyone come together.

"The atmosphere was amazing, especially when S Club took to the stage, it was great fun.

"Well done Rochford and thank you to everyone involved."

Rochford parish councillor Gill Gibson said she was very pleased with the event, which was jointly organised by the parish council and the Chambers of Trade.

She said: "It went very well, we had plenty of stalls and Father Christmas, who was incredibly popular with the children.

"The square was packed and there was a really lovely atmosphere - it was nice to get the community together."

But she added the parish council's star turn with S Club 7 was nothing new - having pulled in big names for previous switch-ons.

She said: "In previous years we've had Paul Young, The Real Thing, and The Drifters.

"Rochford does well to attract better known acts to perform for us."