The BBC's Formula 1 presenter Jake Humphrey helped a local charity launch a new fundraising bid during festivities to mark Holt's Christmas lights switch-on.

The BBC's Formula 1 presenter Jake Humphrey helped a local charity launch a new fundraising bid during festivities to mark Holt's Christmas lights switch-on.

Another celebrity - TV Coastal Kitchen chef Chris Coubrough - performed the actual switch on for the town. Mr Coubrough's stable of eateries now includes the nearby King's Head at Letheringsett.

The lighting up ceremony also featured choirs, live reindeer and entertainers from Cromer's Christmas Seaside Special pier show.

Mr Humphrey, who is an 'ambassador' for Sheringham-based Break, was at the charity's Holt branch on High Street on Wednesday to lend a hand in the shop and take part in the launch of a new initiative for the charity, which provides a range of services for children, adults and families in need.

A loyalty card scheme called Allthingsnorfolk has been running for around two years, but it has been rebranded and relaunched, with Break benefiting.

The range of costs for the scheme has been altered and from now on the �1 joining fee for individuals will see half of that income given to Break.

"It means we can support both local businesses and this excellent charity," said Simon Chapman, one of the partners at Allthingsnorfolk.

"The more people we can get involved, the more money we can raise for the charity."

The scheme gives discounts and offers at various participating businesses.

The lighting up ceremony saw what has been become an annual crowd favourite of sweets being thrown out to the crowd during the reading of an 'alternative' Christmas story.

Mr Coubrough then led a countdown to the final switch on, although not before revealing that his domestic arrangements saw his wife doing most of the cooking - "she cooks like an angel", he added.

Holt's lights have become a key attraction for the town and its traders over the years and the switch on night has expanded in size.

This year a fireworks display rounded off the evening and North Norfolk Radio broadcast live during the event.

Cromer and Aylsham complete the festive light-ups tomorrow night.

Cromer's illuminations will be turned on at 7pm by cast members from the Norwich pantomime during a street fair evening including a torchlight parade and carols singalong.

Aylsham's go on at 6pm, after Santa leads a procession from the Bure Valley Railway to the Market Place.