Confetti was blowing in the air at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre's Christmas lights switch-on.

This year's lights were turned on by 11-year-old Elsa Rapisarda who won the centre's competition that involved designing a taxi for Santa.

About 120 people attended, a much bigger turn-out than last year, to see the new decorations at the event last night (November 21).

Lucy Thomas, Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre marketing manager, said: "There was a really nice community spirit and a good atmosphere.

"We had a band called TheTailorMade from Hanwell, as well as choirs from the Alec Reed Academy in Northolt, Harvington Prep School in Castlebar Road and Fielding Primary in Northfields, a band called Polar Collective whose manager is local and singer Sophie DeBattista."

A taxi will open for the public tomorrow - instead of Santa's grotto- with a photo booth which will stay for the rest of the Christmas period.

Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre will be supporting the local branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care.