People from around the Selby area braved heavy rain to see ITV Calendar news reporter Jon Hill switch-on the Christmas lights in the little village of Burn.

It was the village’s sixth annual celebrity switch-on and included a Christmas market and Christmas tree festival in Burn Methodist Chapel as well as a free buffet provided by landlord Andy Howdall in The Wheatsheaf pub.

Knottingley Salvation Army band played carols and Methodist minister the Rev Linda Day gave an address and blessing. Santa made a flying visit and handed out gifts to children.

Parish council chairman Chris Phillipson introduced the celebrity guest and said: “We are proud in Burn that so many people want to get involved and take part, evidenced by all the village events, including the Big Lunch in the Wheatsheaf car park which every year attracts more than 100 people. We are only a small village and we don’t have many Christmas lights but that doesn’t stop us having a great time.”

Jon, who was presented with a scroll and giant key giving him freedom of the village and appointing him honorary Viscount of Burn, said he had often visited Burn to see friends and cover news stories and he was always impressed with the huge community spirit for a place with so few residents.”