THE SIGHTS and sounds of the festive season delighted visitors to a college's Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.

The festive evening at Derwen College in Gobowen welcomed shoppers and delegates including Oswestry mayor, Councillor Sandy Best,who turned on the Christmas lights.

The event included children's craft activities, homemade goodies, mulled wine and a visit from Father Christmas drew in the crowds for the late night shopping event at the Gobowen college.

Students gave visitors to the event a taste of their Christmas production of Aladdin, which garnered a warm reception.

The specialist college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities pulled out all the stops for the Christmas fair.

The college was lit up with fairy lights, and families had the chance to meet Father Christmas as well as plenty of hands-on activities including wreath-making, decorating gingerbread men and bauble-making.

The evening offered plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities for guests to buy home-made jams and chutneys, artisan gifts, screen-printed festive cards, winter ever-green plants and hand-made Christmas cakes.

Refreshments at the event including mulled wine were also available.

The college’s Orangery Restaurant was kept busy serving up festive menus.

Commercial development manager Pete Evans said he was delighted that so many visitors came to support the college’s shopping and eating outlets.

“It was a fabulous bumper evening with fun activities for all. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces, happy shoppers and plenty of Christmas spirit," he said.

“Derwen College shopping and eating areas are open until December 20. A visit to our shopping and leisure areas in the run-up to Christmas is the perfect way to support buying local.

"We offer the chance to pick up unique gifts while also supporting our students in their learning.”

The college offers students the opportunity to learn new skills in real work environments and to learn life skills which will enable them to live as independently as possible. All of Derwen College’s produce is created by students as part of their vocational curriculum studies and work experience.