TAUNTON town centre was majestically lit up as the Christmas lights were switched on for the first time in three years.

On Sunday (November 25) hundreds of people braved the cold weather and stood outside Taunton Visitor Centre as 97-year-old D-Day war veteran Jim Booth and Mayor of Taunton Deane, Cllr Catherine Herbert flipped the switch to illuminate the town's Christmas lights.

The Mayor and Cllr John Hunt made speeches at the event and some of the cast from the Brewhouse Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz performed for crowds.

Speaking at the event, Cllr John Hunt, said: "The event organisers wanted a local community hero to switch on the lights this year.

"The word hero, is often misused, however, this evening we have found a real hero.

"A hero decorated for his bravery for his part in a secret underwater mission ahead of the D-Day landings in 1944.

"A man who has made a remarkable recovery from a dreadful assault that happen at his home just a year ago. An event that shocked and angered us all.

" I’m honoured to introduce you to your community hero Mr Jim Booth."