CHRISTMAS came early in the borough last week as festive lights were switched on all over Croydon.
Selsdon, Sanderstead and New Addington held switch-on events that saw residents from all over join together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.
The Selsdon lights, which are completely funded by the Selsdon Residents' Association, were a particular success with more than 800 people braving the weather and turning up for Friday's event.
Deputy chairman Linda Morris said: "It was a great crowd and it got us feeling really festive.
"We gave out 400 balloons to children and the choir at Greenvale School put on a great show.
"Retired head teacher Aline Holdsworth switched on the lights and she almost got a bigger cheer than Santa.
"It is the association's pleasure to fund the lights every year and this year I think they are more spectacular than ever."
New Addington also switched on its lights, despite less than perfect weather. Kirsty Pearce, from the New Addington Pathfinders, said: "It was very wet and windy but we made the most of it as we always do.
"We had a great stall and tombola and everyone got involved.
"Everyone did a fabulous job as they do every year and now everyone is feeling in a rather Christmassy mood."
Sanderstead's lights have also been switched on in Limpsfield Road.
Sanderstead Residents' Association chairman Dennis Eldridge said: "We always like to put lights up for Christmas, it puts everyone in a good mood."
