Sutton’s countdown to Christmas began this weekend with a host of seasonal events.

Father Christmas joined the Mayor of Sutton Gerry Jerome to light up the Christmas tree in Trinity Square on Thursday.

There was entertainment from local choirs, SCOLA and the borough’s youth theatres and Titan the robot made an appearance in St Nicholas’ centre.

The lights switch was followed by a night of festive food, music and mulled wine on Friday.

The stars of Secombe Theatre’s Cinderella and some Shetland ponies helped turn the High Street into a festive wonderland on Saturday.

Shoppers were entertained by performances from the Shimmy Sisters, Star Steppers and Mishmak Youth Theatre.

After his light switch appearance, Father Christmas went to the Woodcote Green Garden Centre in Wallington on Saturday.

Father Christmas’ specially designed grotto was opened and he promised to be there with all his reindeers right up until Christmas Eve.

In all the excitement, he accidently lost six presents in the store but they are welcoming children to come and hunt for them.

Father Christmas also congratulated the garden centre for recently winning the 2011 Garden Retail Award for Retail Outlet of the Year; over £3m turnover.