SANTA Claus came to town to help Gourock get the party started for the official Christmas countdown.

Hundreds turned out in a cold night to celebrate together at the town's Christmas Light Switch on in Kempock Gardens.

We have some of the highlights from Friday night with more to come in the Tele this week.

Santa comes to town Santa comes to town (Image: George Munro)

Our photographer George Munro was there to join in the fun as everyone came together in the festive spirit.

Local primary school children led the way with some favourite Christmas carols.

Gourock Christmas switch on Gourock Christmas switch on (Image: George Munro) The number one carol Away in the Manger and other classics rang out in the night air as the town put on a show.

Santa Claus joins in the fun Santa Claus joins in the fun (Image: George Munro) There were cheers all round when Santa took to the stage with the Old Gourock and Ashton minister David Burt who was leading the festivities.

Beforehand Father Christmas went round for a meet and greet with all his adoring fans.

Christmas tree lights upChristmas tree lights up (Image: George Munro)

The crowds cheered as the festive A-list celeb tried to find out what everyone in the town wanted for Christmas before he left.

It was a fantastic night in Gourock as the lights were turned on and Christmas officially started.

More pictures will follow in the Tele this week 

They have now joined Greenock to light up with more on their way this week.

 Port Glasgow is next up to  light up  on Wednesday, November 27, from 6pm outside the library.On Friday, November 29, it’s over to the villages with Quarriers Village up first from 3.30pm at the Village Centre.

This is followed by festivities at Inverkip Hub from 5.30pm, Kilmacolm’s Cargill Centre from 6pm and Wemyss Bay Community Centre from 7pm.