CHRISTMAS has arrived in St Bees as the village’s lifeboat crew held a traditional carol concert to entertain residents.

More than 100 villagers attended this year’s service, arranged by the volunteer crew and guild, after following Santa and his elves through St Bees.

The festive entourage made their way from the top of St Bees down to the lifeboat station, turning on the Christmas tree lights and handing out sweets along the way.

Dick Beddows, St Bees RNLI operations manager, said: “It was great to see so many people come down to support us.

“I would like to thank the members of St Bees Guild for organising a successful evening and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a safe New Year.”

Whitehaven Brass Band played a selection of Christmas classics at the concert before children from St Bees Primary School choir treated the audience to a number of songs, including a solo.

During the interval, guest of honour Sally Kennedy BEM received a presentation in recognition of her help with fundraising over the years.

Members of the crew then handed out mulled wine, mince pies and cakes. After the concert, a raffle was drawn with proceeds going to the RNLI.

In the second half of the evening everyone had the chance to join in singing carols accompanied by both St Bees Primary School and the Brass Band.

Meanwhile, rain and windy weather did not stop Santa or the people of Aspatria from enjoying their Christmas lights switch-on.

Deputy mayor Alan Reay said he was surprised and delighted at the number of people who turned out for the event.

He said: “It was so wet that we had to move the entertainment into the Beacon Hill school hall which meant there was a bit of a crush.

Santa had also revealed a secret while he was in town.

“He told me that the tiny settlement of Harriston is one of his favourite places,” said deputy mayor Mr Reay.

That is why the Aspatria celebrations started in Harriston before a parade down the town centre from the business park to Brandraw car park where he was mobbed by children.