The countdown to Christmas is now well and truly under way in Ashford following the switching on of the town centre's lights.

Hundreds flocked to the bandstand in the High Street to watch the Mayor of Ashford Cllr David Smith, stars from the Marlowe Theatre pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk and Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller do the honours.

A day of celebrations on Saturday saw kmfm introduce bands at the bandstand including Ashford Sings!, the Shorncliffe Military Wives Choir and a Salvation Army band.

There were also rides for children and craft stalls in the High Street.

Full story and more pictures in this Thursday's Kentish Express.