RESIDENTS of a Poole cul-de-sac held their popular annual Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday evening.

Hundreds of people flocked to Runton Road to join in with the countdown before the impressive illuminations were revealed. The festive event has become a staple in Poole's calendar as the group of neighbours deck their houses with Christmas lights to raise money for good causes.

Before the highly-anticipated switch-on, local swing singer Paul Walker performed. He was later joined by Susie Kimber.

Miss Poole, Samantha Bumford, led the countdown at 5.30pm. The crowd cheered as the dazzling displays were switched on and showed their appreciation by dropping donations into the buckets outside the residents' houses.

Runton Road resident John Tuvey, 61, has helped organise the festivities for around the past six years.

Around 46 properties out of the 51 on the street transform their homes into a winter wonderland each year, attracting thousands of people in the run-up to Christmas.

John Tuvey, 61, who lives in Runton Road with his partner, has been taking part in the festivities for around the past six years.

John's parents previously lived in the road and were among the first to light up their home along with a neighbour around 50 years ago.

Every year he collects money for Julia’s House and last year raised £3,700 for the charity.

Other charities set to benefit this year include Forest Holme Hospice, the RNLI and also a youngster called Ivy Louise, who has neuroblastoma, and her family is raising funds for treatment in the USA.

Runton Road's lights will be switched on every day in the lead-up to Christmas from around 4.30pm to 10pm.

Other entertainment has been organised over the next fortnight. On Tuesday, December 11, the Citrus Singers will be performing from 6.30pm, and the Vocal Impact children's choir will be singing on Thursday, December 13, from 6.30pm.

On Saturday, December 22, The Bitter Sweet Harmony Community Choir and Care Free Choir will be performing between 6pm and 7.30pm.