CHRISTMAS arrived in the Old Market Square last night – with a little help from some of the city's most famous residents.

Boxer Carl Froch, Notts County's director of football, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Lord Mayor Jeannie Packer all took to the ice for the switching on of the city's lights.

They were joined on the temporary ice rink by Forest and Panthers players and Notts Polar explorers Fiona and Mike Thornewill.

The countdown to the switch-on was compered by Trent FM's Twiggy and Emma.

Pauline Watson, from Carlton, was in Old Market Square with her granddaughter, Jessica O'Reilly, two.

Pauline said: "We came down to see the lights because she's just beginning to realise what it's all about.

"I'm here with my sister and her grandson. We are going to have a walk up where the other stalls are and have a look at the lights."

Jessica's cousin, Cavan Morris, seven, also from Carlton, said: "I've come with them and my nana. I think the lights are quite good."

Emma Reynolds, two, from Heanor, was there with her dad, Matthew.

He said: "We came down for the switch-on because she loves seeing Santa or anything to do with Christmas. She has really enjoyed it."

Harry Hardy, 11, from Aspley, was there with his mum Jackie .

Harry said: "We've come along to see the lights being switched on."

Jackie said: "We're just here for the atmosphere and for the start of the Christmas season."

The lights were switched on at 6.15pm.

By 8pm the rink was cleared so that the first public skating sessions could start.

Visitors tasted festive food and drank mulled wine from the German Christmas Market, which will be in Old Market Square until December 20. There were stalls selling crafts and a brass band entertained visitors outside the Council House.

caroline.lowbridge@ nottinghameveningpost.co.uk