ILKLEY’S new town crier took on her first Ilkley Christmas Lights switch-on when she pushed the plunger to light up the town for the festive season on Saturday.

Former Royal Philharmonic orchestra manager Isabel Hogan took on the role on August 1, Yorkshire Day, and was invited to officially switch on Ilkley’s Christmas lights this year.

She led a well-attended parade of local families along The Grove, accompanied by Father Christmas in the Booths supermarket carriage. Crowds gathered outside Christmas On The Grove for an afternoon of festive music and entertainment provided by local musicians, singers and dancers.