WESTBOURNE traders ensured that residents will have a very Jerry Christmas after today's festive light switch-on.

Hundreds watched Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry fame as he rocked out in front of Marks & Spencer.

And he was joined by an unexpected guest on the stage - Bournemouth's mayor, Councillor Chris Mayne, who not only danced but sang along too.

Clad in a Christmas jumper and wearing a Santa hat, Cllr Mayne thanked the Westbourne Traders' Association for organising the event.

“Well done to all the local traders, and I hope you all have a fantastic day and a wonderful Christmas,” he said.

“This is fantastic for the community, and it's great to see hundreds of people here today.”

The crowd then watched Westbourne resident Ray perform three songs on his electric guitar, including his best-known hit, In the Summertime.

As he began his performance, the 68-year-old said he was “honoured” to have been asked to switch the lights on.

Audience members even had the chance to join in, with kazoos being thrown into the crowd before the first song, Mighty Man.

The performance followed a day of activities, with visitors listening to The Jimmy Hill Billies, enjoying the festively-decorated shops and participating in a 12-inch sausage eating competition at Peter Treble butchers, MP Conor Burns and leader of the borough council, Cllr John Beesley, also presented a prize to the winner of Westbourne's Best Dressed Window 2014.

Abigail Strange, four, and mum Kirsten, of Canford Heath, watched youngsters from the Shining Bright Like a Star Performing Arts group sing.

Kirsten said: “It's the first time we've come but it has been an amazing day.

“It feels so festive and we're really enjoying it.”

Sophie Maynard, of Southbourne, took daughter Eleanor, six, and son Benjamin, four, along to see the lights.

“It's been really wonderful so far,” she said. “We're having a lovely time. It's a good, family-friendly event.”