SANTA switched on Whitehaven Christmas lights with a little help from his super hero and fairytale friends.

Crowds lined the streets on Sunday evening to watch the glittering event. And they were able to meet their superheroes Batman, Spider-man and Superman as well as fairytale princesses and Frozen characters.

The lights were switched on by Santa on behalf of St Bees youngster Cristina MacFadden who has received treatment for cancer.

The little girl was unfortunately not able to attend the event, said organisers.

A host of attractions were held throughout the afternoon before the festive switch on.

Fans had their photos taken with Batman, and his iconic Batmobile, a replica of the armoured fighting vehicle, as featured in the 1989 movie starring Michael Keaton.

Natalie Maudling, of Whitehaven, was with her children, Talia, six, and Luca Fearon, four.

She said: “It’s great getting people into the town and getting the kids involved.”

Claire Foster and her daughters Cody, 13, and Izzy, nine, from Whitehaven, visited the different attractions, including the reindeer, Batmobile and huskies.

Claire said: “I come every year but this one is the best so far.”

Jeanette Forster, Whitehaven town councillor, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. The team wanted to put a bit of pride back in Whitehaven.”

The Regans, of Cleator Moor, enjoyed the attractions particularly the reindeer.

Dennis and wife Mandy were with their son James, daughter-in-law Heather and grandchildren Coben, six, and Jaxon, two.

And Daley and Sara Rogers were with their two girls Matilda, five, and Lola, three, visiting the reindeer.

Snorri Thorgirmson, also known as Stephen Southward, and Thorfinn Eberhard, known as Jonathen Everett, of the Herlid Viking re-enactment group, wandered around the town.

Snorri said: “It’s been a very positive reaction. People have been coming up to us asking questions about what we do.”

Daisy Smith, five, from St Bees, won a place next to Santa on his sleigh, in a procession. While four-year-old Isaac South won a place on the husky sleigh.

There was also entertainment in town and on the CFM Stage including dance troupes, live music, funfair rides and a snow machine.

The event was organised by the Christmas in Whitehaven committee, a joint venture between Whitehaven Town Council, the Whitehaven and district chamber of trade and co-opted individuals.

The team has bought bright festive lights, costing thousands of pounds, for the event.

Charles Maudling, one of the organisers, said: “It’s been fantastic. For the new team to pull it together in such a short space of time. I want to say thank you to the new Whitehaven Town Council for helping to make this happen with the lights. The community spirit has been brought back to Whitehaven.”

Due to strong winds Batman and Superman were unable to abseil the front of St Nicholas Church.