RESIDENTS in part of Southampton got into the Christmas spirit at Bitterne's annual lights switch-on, but it was not all cheer.

Named as Southampton's 'local hero', Delays frontman Greg Gilbert was due to push the plunger, switching on the lights in Bitterne precinct, but couldn't be at the event on Saturday afternoon due to medical problems.

Instead, switching on the lights was Southampton's sheriff, Cllr Stephen Barnes-Andrews.

The event also saw singers from Bitterne's churches, as well as music from a brass band, entertaining the crowd waiting in the cold during a short delay because "we're waiting for it to get a bit darker", organisers said over the tannoy.

More than a hundred people turned out to see the Christmas lights turned on.