Six-year-old Kayla Mitchelson may be missing her two front teeth this Christmas....but she's got one of the top parts in her Nativity - and not once, but twice.

She rode on a donkey along Front Street playing Mary during the parade cheered on by thousands who had turned out for the switch on of Brampton's Christmas lights.

Kayla will also be taking on the role when Brampton Primary School stages its festive production soon.

She was accompanied by her parents Ailsa and Nigel.

They were among the thousands who flocked to the town for this afternoon's festive fun.

Hundreds joined the parade as it weaved along Front Street before crowds gathered outside the Moot Hall for the countdown.

Five-year-old Jack Docherty, a year one pupil at the town's primary school, had the honour of flicking the switch to light up the town centre.

It was his prize for winning a competition to design the cover of the Brampton BIG Magazine festive edition.

He scooped the prize with his image of a hand-printed holly wreath and a picture of the Moot Hall, marking its 200th anniversary.

Jack, who received a medal too, was joined on the Moot Hall steps by his parents Louise and Craig, and three-year-old brother Harry.

Louise said: "It was a team effort really. It was Harry's hands that were the handprint on the design."

Among the spectators were residents and staff from Howard Court care home.

Resident Joe Graham, wrapped up warm for the event, said: "We came last year and we really enjoyed the camels, so we thought we would come back."
Three Bactrian - two-humped - camels were one of the main attractions.

They are a regular sight at the annual event, and travel up with handlers from Warwickshire.

Live entertainment, on stage beside the Moot Hall, included performances from Carlisle Dance Academy and local singer Nikki.

Children's entertainment Cheeky Charlie compered the three hours of festive fun, which was also supported by Brampton and Longtown Rotarians and Hospice at Home.

A snow machine, Santa's grotto and fairground rides also added to the atmosphere, together with stalls selling mulled wine and candy floss.

The Christmas lights switch was organised by the parish council's events committee.