Thousands of shoppers packed into the capital to watch actress Kelly Brook switch on Christmas lights.

Brook, currently starring in the West End comedy Fat Pig, was cheered as she flicked the switch on the festive lights in Bond Street in central London.

Lighting up London: Kelly Brook switches on the Bond Street lights

She was joined on-stage by three children from Great Ormond Street Hospital, including 14-year-old Lucy Atkinson who suffers from MDS (Myelodysplastic anaemia).

Brook said: "This is amazing, it's such an honour to be here, for all you guys to be here in the cold.

"I am so excited to turn on the lights. I hope you are all going to join me in counting down."

Twinkle, twinkle: Crowds flocked to the West End to see Kelly Brook and the lights

Wearing a Suzie Turner couture dress with crystallised Swarovski elements, Brook joined a long line of famous women who have turned on Bond Street's lights.

Diana, Princess of Wales, Elizabeth Hurley, Jerry Hall, Jodie Kidd and Sophie Dahl have all had the honour previously.

Organisers said the gold and silver lights represented a bow, making Bond Street a present.

The annual event, named Bond Noel, has raised £50,000 for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity in the past five years.

Visitors to Thursday night's event were entertained by carol singers, musicians and rickshaw sleighs as fake snow was pumped into the air.