Council defends Christmas lights test in September

Christmas lights on a street in Stockton-on-Tees were illuminated in September

A town thought Christmas had come early after a council tested its lights in September.

The festive illuminations on Norton Road in Stockton-on-Tees were photographed switched on and posted on social media.

The post attracted comments such as "too soon, it’s not even Halloween or Bonfire Night yet" and "who needs autumn anyways?"

Stockton Council said the lights were installed early so they could be tested and would then be switched off until the Christmas lights switch-on in November.

One commentator on the Stockton-on-Tees Alert Facebook page wrote: "Way too early. Should be put up first weekend of December if not later and taken down before new year."

Another added: "This world's gone to shambles."

The lights have now been turned off until the official switch-on in November

Others took a different view, saying it was "something to make you smile", "never too early" and "I love Xmas so a bit of cheery decorations are lovely".

One posted: "There is not a lot in the world right now to be cheery about. Nice to see a bit of sparkle, even if early."

Days later, however, the lights were switched off, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Asked about the early illuminations, Stockton Council said the lights had been tested and some had been rewired with new LED lighting.