Witches and wizards cast their spells and conjured up thousands of people who thronged the shops and streets of Abingdon for the annual Christmas lights switch-on Extravaganza.

Walligog the Wizard with Audrey Tamplin

Although denied a fireworks display because of the firefighters dispute, the public still flocked to the Witches and Wizards theme night organised by the Chamber of Commerce and the town council.

The mayor Audrey Tamplin, helped by Walligog the Wizard, switched on the lights in the Market Place.

Mrs Tamplin said: "The loss of the fireworks display was a disappointment, but failed to spoil the evening.

"The town was buzzing all night. I did not expect to see so many people enjoying themselves and all the shops were busy."

The High Street was closed for children's fairground rides and an artificial snow machine gave the Market Place a winter feel. Staff at many of the town's shops dressed up to match the theme, with Hair and Beauty in Stert Street being judged the best.