THE one and only Basil Brush was as bright eyed and bushy tailed as ever when he helped turn on Windsor's Christmas lights on Saturday.

He joined the mayor Cllr Paul Lion and panto co-star Kevin Cruise.

Basil and Kevin are starring together in Dick Whittington which opens at the Theatre Royal tonight (Friday).

Saturday's big event marked the climax of an amazing year for Windsor which came to a suitably spectacular climax as 2,000 people packed the town to see the lights come on, along with the famous illuminations which will be projected onto Windsor Castle's Garter Tower throughout the Chrsitmas season.

The afternoon began with a lantern procession through the town with children from Upton House School carrying lanterns they had made themselves, accompanied by Egham Band.

A spectacular show awaited everyone who gathered near the Christmas tree on Castle Hill, as 200 people entertained during the afternoon.

Windsor based Busy Buttons Creative Studio recreated the show it staged at this year's fringe festival, using realistic puppet figures and dancers from the nearby Susan Handy School of Dancing to tell the story of an old trunk full of a life's treasures.

Upton House pupils sang Christmas carols. The Windsor Boys School brass band played and children from the town's School of the Arts entertained.

The Royal Free Singers 'topped the bill' and had the crowd singing at the top of its voice.

The Once Upon a Bus double decker offered storytelling sessions inside an amazing double decker bus and a chance to meet Santa.

There were rides for the children and a market in Peascod Street selling food from across the world

Windsor and Eton Town Manager Paul Roach said: "We worked very hard to get as much of the community together as we could.

"It has been an amazing year for the town hosting two royal weddings and it has been a wonderful way to round it off. We really are an iconic location."

Saturday's events were sponsored by Shanly Homes.