HUNDREDS of people braved the freezing weather to enjoy a sparkling start to the festive season on Sunday with the switching on of Dunbar's Christmas lights and a market.

About 16 stalls selling local produce, gifts and accessories traded on High Street, while several town centre businesses stayed open to make the most of the fantastic turnout.

There was seasonal choir singing, music, and entertainment from MC Gladys Chucklebutty (pictured below).

And to mark the 25th anniversary of the Christmas lights, Margo Laing � whose late husband Norman was actively involved in the lights � performed the switch-on at 6.30pm.

Catherine Acton, of the Christmas lights committee, said the event was a great success.

"I think some of the folk were absolutely frozen!" she told the Courier, "but it went really well.

"There was a great turnout considering the weather, and it was very pretty seeing all the stalls lit up." It is hoped that the market � set up by residents including Louise Nicolson with the help of East Lothian Council and local councillors � will become an annual event.

Ms Nicolson said she was looking for as much feedback as possible on the event but said the response so far had been "fantastic".

Members of Dunbar Rotary Club also turned out to act as stewards and fundraisers for the Christmas lights committee at the event.

Club president Gordon Coventry said: "Dunbar's Christmas lights organising committee and Rotarian Graeme Darkes thoroughly deserve our support for their dedication and hard work which add cheer for the people of Dunbar at this time of year."