CHRISTMAS came early to Crossgates on Sunday as Santa switched on the village's tree – and helped raise nearly £2,000 for next year's gala.

Residents turned out in force to support the festive event organised by the Crossgates Events Committee, which is one of their major cash generators to meet the costs of putting on the annual gala event.

The lights switch-on, which saw the man in the red suit step off his sleigh during a parade through the village to do the honours at the community garden, was part of a packed day of entertainment that included a Christmas market in the British Legion, an outdoor barbecue and the chance for the kids to visit Santa's grotto.

There was also a special presentation made to Barry Tillier, who earlier this year stepped down from the gala's organising committee after six years involvement.

He was integral in bringing the gala back to the village's calendar after a lengthy gap and his contribution was recognised by new events committee chair Ross Bennet, who took on the role in September after a crisis meeting that proposed its dissolution.

But, after strong support from the community, a new committee of 12 people was formed and the gala will go ahead on Saturday July 7 2018.

Committee member Laura Wheatley said: "The day went great and the weather held out for us. It was really well attended and people have said that the parade is the best that we've had, and this is our third year.

"In terms of money raised we took about £1,500 on the day and, combined with money we made from stalls in the run-up to event, we made almost £2,000.

"We're so reliant on that event going well so everybody is delighted.

"Santa's sleigh was brought down by Kinross Rotary Club and looked great. The kids love it and we're really grateful. It's quite a novelty for people to see it and they were lining the streets, which was brilliant."

On the presentation to Barry, she added: "It took Barry by surprise – he didn't know about it!

"I think he was taken aback but Barry has been such a big figure in starting the gala up.

"There's a new momentum now; we were previously running with a skeleton committee of 3-4 folk, but now we've got 12 members.

"Things are looking good and we hope to put on a bigger and better gala next year."