A STREET collection held during Thornbury's Christmas lights switch-on last week has raised funds for a community group.

Taken in Thornbury High Street and Castle Street on Tuesday, November 20, the collection raised £280 for Thornbury Welcomes.

The group was set up to make the town a more inclusive and welcome place for everyone who lives, visits and works there.

Briony Williams, star of this year’s The Great British Bake Off, was tasked with switching on the lights at the event.

Thornbury Christmas Lights Association (TCLA) organised the event and collection.

T C Ray, collection promoter for TCLA, said: "The Bake-off star Briony Williams was a popular choice to switch on the lights and the crowd responded with generosity.

The organisers wish to thank the public for their contributions and also showman Mr Albert Rogers for his substantial independent contribution to Thornbury Welcomes.

Volunteers from TCLA spent the last few months preparing for the event, giving up their Sunday mornings to build and erect more than 90 Christmas displays.

Other entertainment on the night included a funfair and community market with craft stalls and refreshments.

There were also live performances from the likes of Thornbury Community Gospel Choir.

Raffle prizes included a honey and ginger cake made by Briony, who reached the semi final of the hit BBC baking show this year.