CHRISTMAS may still be a month away but shoppers in Canvey were in the festive mood at the switch-on of the Christmas lights. Click here for our picture gallery

Approximately 3,000 people visited Furtherwick Road in Canvey to see Santa Claus and Canvey town councillors switch on the festive illuminations, while there was also a performance from X Factor star Lucy Duffield.

There were also market, craft and Christmas stalls along with children’s games, a funfair and Santa and his sleigh.

A real reindeer was also on hand for the spectacular.

Laura Windley, community and events officer at Canvey Island Town Council, said: “It has gone absolutely brilliantly. Everyone has had a really good day and we have had a really good turnout.

“The town centre has been full up all day long.”