It may only be November, but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Andover as decorations go up across the town.

In the High Street, the Christmas tree has arrived, with white picket fencing surrounding the tree outside Andover’s Guildhall.

Lights have also gone up on lampposts down the High Street, and around the corner onto Bridge Street.

There was no official switch on due to Covid restrictions, the lights turned on in secret as many residents were asleep on Monday night.

The town's mayor, Councillor Richard Rowles, said he hopes residents enjoy the festive look.

Cllr Rowles said he was “so proud” of the team organising and putting up the lights during the second national lockdown. They were hard at work until 11pm on Monday night making the town look festive.

He told The Advertiser: “Christmas is not cancelled, at least in Andover.

“During Lockdown 2.0 we decided not to have a switch on party but were working well into the night. I am so proud of the team in the office [for making this happen]."

Cllr David Coole also praised the decorations. He told The Advertiser: “There is more need than ever this year for a bit of festive cheer, especially as so many have suffered over recent months."

He said it was great to see the town decorated and said there was more in store for next year.

"There are talks about getting more lights for the town centre," he said.