Somerset in Pictures: Santa, sunsets and Pinocchio

The sun rises over the Somerset Levels on Thursday

December is here and the spirit of Christmas is spreading across Somerset, from the famous market in Bath down to Weston-super-Mare.

Racing at Taunton produced some memorable images and actors have been getting ready to perform Pinocchio in Taunton.

Glastonbury Abbey was the scene of some frosty sights, and they've been putting up the fairy lights - thousands of them - at Wookey Hole.

Starter's orders: Getty photographer Alan Crowhurst took this stunning picture of riders and their horses ready near the start line at Taunton Racecourse on Thursday.

Annual attraction: Bath is gearing up to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to its famous Christmas Market, which has already been drawing plenty of people to the city centre.

Checking it twice: The Amazing Elf Workshop and Santa Grotto at the Sovereign Centre in Weston-super-Mare has opened its doors to children who want to meet Father Christmas. Kids can also make crafts at the "Elf Workshop" and have a snowball fight.

Set for the stage: In Taunton, actors are getting ready to perform a Christmas run of Pinocchio at the Brewhouse. The play will run from 4-29 December and there will be audio described performances as well as ones that include a BSL translator.

Shop local: Businesses in Cheddar banded together this week to offer an alternative to Black Friday by urging locals to try independent traders as part of the 'Colour Friday' campaign.

Wintry scene: An enchanting-looking Glastonbury Abbey was captured by Charlie McGloin as temperatures dipped last week.

Going underground: They're getting into the Christmas spirit at Wookey Hole too, with 100,000 fairy lights now in place, lighting the way to where visitors can find Santa's Grotto and the Elves' Toy Factory. It is open at weekends until 21 December, when it will be open every day until Christmas Eve.

Royal accolade: Former MP Sir Liam Fox, from Tickenham, was made a Knight Bachelor by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. The honour recognises political and public service.