White Christmas in Salthouse (a month early!)

This week, Christmas hit North Norfolk - a month early - with scenic snow falls in Salthouse on Sunday and hog roasts, mulled wine and carol-singing at the now famous festive lights switch-on in Holt on Wednesday.

Accordingly, our in-house snapper cast off thermal mittens and braved frostbite to capture a few timely snaps for those of you not lucky enough to be here (or get a parking space after the 'barricades' went up on lights night).

There was a credit-crunch-busting atmosphere in Holt with a great turnout of families on parade to make the most of this free event.

We did not see Auntie Pearl but Razz the clown gamely entertained the troops outside Benbows with his trusty conertina. Meanwhile, a top-hatted eight foot stilt-walker strode through the town, shadowed by a scuttling entourage of diminutive lantern-bearers.

Fewer 'Star Wars'-style light sticks and flashing LED rabbit ears may have flown off the stalls than in previous years, but the spectacle of intrepid juniors scaling the ice-wall outside the Nationwide Building Society more than made up for it. (Maybe someone told them there was a child trust fund pinned to the top).

PS Many thanks to all those customers who braved the crowds and dropped in to the gallery to share a spicy cracker, mince pie and glass of wine with us. It was lovely to see you!