Pinner was transformed into a winter wonderland last night, with Christmas decorations, food stalls and fun fair rides filling the streets for the Pinner Pantomime.

Hundreds flocked to the festive extravaganza and were greeted on High Street by Mayor of Harrow Councillor Ajay Maru, who switched on the Christmas tree lights.

He said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to be here. We are bringing people from all different religions and cultures together. Seeing the children here is absolutely wonderful.”

Glistening decorations adorned shop windows and many shopkeepers wore fancy dress.

Milla Corson, 33, owns hairdressers Visage, and was dressed as Chewbacca from Star Wars.

She said: “I think it’s brilliant, it brings everybody back to the community. The kids love it. They enjoy themselves, especially around this time of year.”

Primary and secondary school choirs sang Christmas carols on High Street as hungry shoppers tucked into food ranging from hot dogs to paella.

Bridge Street was similarly lined with stalls, fun fair rides and live bands playing throughout the evening.

Charlotte Millward, 23, a speech and language therapist from North Harrow, said: “It’s really nice. There’s a lot more than there used to be. A lot of effort obviously goes into it, and it’s nice that the kids can come and be a part of it.”

It was the 16th year of the Pinner Pantomime, which was organised by the Pantomime Group Association.

The mayor awarded the shop Eyesey the best window prize for their winter themed Jack and the Beanstalk decoration.

Rabiyyah Raval, 33, owner of Eyesey, said: “It feels awesome. We’re really chuffed. It’s great to get involved in Pinner. It definitely provides a sense of community.”

To round off the night there was a fireworks display in Pinner Memorial Park, Chapel Lane.