A FRINTON shopping centre started the countdown to Christmas by switching on its festive lights at the weekend.

Traders at the Triangle, off Rochford Way, have gone all out with their Christmas display this year to help get shoppers into the seasonal spirit.

Local actor Charlie Vaughn flipped the switch on Saturday, bringing the lights to life.

The communal square in the middle of the shopping centre also boasts a huge Santa’s Grotto which will be open for youngsters in the lead up to Christmas.

Two years ago the centre was left in the dark at Christmas when Co-op bosses decided not to fund festive decorations anymore.

The incident inspired shop owners to create the Triangle Traders Association, and the group has worked hard to make sure the centre has a dazzling array of lights and decorations for shoppers to enjoy this year.

Association chairman Richard Allen said the decorations give the centre a real boost over Christmas.

He said: “It looks fantastic. We have worked long and hard to keep the Triangle an attractive place for locals and others to do their shopping and hope our hard work will pay dividends.”