ARCHWAY was the first corner of Islington to get into the Christmas spirit - and it was 10-year-old competition winner Abbie Arkley who flicked the festive switch on Friday.

Abbie turned on the lights with Islington Mayor Councillor Mouna Hamitouche as the north of the borough got the party started.

The celebrations Christmas carols from Hargrave Park Primary School, festive stalls, a jazz band and street dance performances, as well as the obligatory meeting with Santa.

Free mince pies and mulled wine provided by the Co-op store in Junction Road helped the event go with a swing.