Abingdon's retail sector received a much-needed shot in the arm as hundreds of people packed the town for the Christmas lights switch on.

Former Oxford United player, now their community officer, Peter Rhoades-Brown kicked off the pantomime-themed extravaganza night.

Many shops - some with staff dressed up in pantomime character costumes - stayed open until late on Wednesday.

There were stalls and fairground rides in the Market Place, High Street and Bath Street. The night rounded off with a fireworks display.

The event began with a parade headed by Abingdon Town Band and included Guides, Brownies, Scouts and Cubs, majorettes, as well as town councillors and representatives from four of Abingdon's twin towns.

Adding a touch of glamour and romance was the appearance of Cinderella (Caroline Winter) and Prince Charming (Ed Henderson) from Drayton Players and the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre. Father Christmas followed in his own special coach, courtesy of Abingdon Lions Club.

Abingdon mayor Lorraine Oates said: "I was thrilled to see so many people in the town enjoying the entertainment and visiting the shops.

"There was a great community feel to the event. Despite criticisms about a dying town it showed that Abingdon is still very much alive and the wide selection of small independent shops have a lot to offer.

"It has been a difficult 12 months for businesses with all the changes that have been taking place in the town, but the extravaganza was a shop window and I hope that the public will continue to support the shops this Christmas and next year."

The extravaganza was a joint promotion between the town council, which provides the lights, and the chamber of commerce.

Chamber president Jill Carver said: "It was a great success and just the right Christmas tonic for businesses after a difficult 12 months.

"There has been much talk about business closing in the town but little said about five new businesses that have opened this year.

"Now that the Stert Street changes are in place the street is looking good and all shop units are taken for the first time in 10 years.

"The refurbished Market Place is much better. It gives me confidence that Abingdon can bounce back."

The Book Store, in The Precinct, won the best window display competition, and first prize for pantomime costumes went to the staff at the Newbury Building Society in West St Helen Street.