Ross Christmas Fayre was a huge success thanks, not just to the stall holders who made a special effort with displaying their wares in a festive way, but also the colourful characters who joined the crowds to meet the children.

The penguins added something different to the afternoon and the visitors from the Courtyard pantomime were a welcome addition to the event.Ross Town Band, acting as a personal karaoke machine for the bad fairy from Jack and the Beanstalk, played a selection of Christmas music and carols while the crowds waited for the countdown to the light switch on.

At the final moment there were gasps of delight, cheers and applause as the magnificent tree donated by the Rotary Club was lit up. Then everyone saw, for the first time, the lights strung under the arches of the Market House.

See the full story in this week's Ross Gazette.