On Sunday night, Ipswich was alive with Christmas as the lights were switched on by the stars of the Regent Christmas panto.

The cast of Peter Pan greeted crowds at the Cornhill who gathered to see the magical moment the lights went on.

And on Thursday the town hosted its first late night shopping event, with Santa arriving on the Waterfront by boat.

Children from Springfield Nursery and Infant School were introduced to the world of literature during a visit to Westbourne Library.

Reader Bradley Lloyd captured a stunning sunset over Ipswich and a new Morrisons ‘M’ Local store opened in Ipswich town centre

In basketball, Ipswich narrowly missed out on a win after being beaten at the last minute by Huddersfield while dancers from the Lait School of Dance taught junior pupils from Ipswich High School for Girls in Woolverstone the Tango ahead of a Strictly Come Dancing competition, which will raise money for the Philippine Typhoon Appeal.

Ronnie Harris wrote a heart-wrenching letter to Santa last Christmas, which has recently been discovered by his mum, asking for a cure for his sick dad, Russell.

Ipswich gymnast Halle Hilton is on the verge of an international call up having been crowned British Champion in her age group.

And soap star June Brown, who plays Dot Branning, nee Cotton, has shared details of her Ipswich upbringing.