THE crowds in Winchester enjoyed triple Christmas joy last night - despite a deluge of rain.

As well as the annual switch-on of the festive lights, they saw the opening of the ice rink by Olympic skating champion Robin Cousins and the Christmas market, both in Cathedral Close.

For the first time, the cathedral is hosting the rink and market as a way of attracting visitors and boosting its finances.

Several hundred people braved the downpours to witness the official opening by mayor Sue Nelmes before being treated to a skating demonstration by the Olympic gold medallist.

The switching on of the lights at High Street usually takes place in mid-November, but this year the city centre manager Graham Love said the decision was taken to combine it with the Cathedral's events.

Mr Love said: "Retailers are indicating that the Christmas spend is getting later and later. They felt focussing activity in the Advent period might be a good move.

Fun-packed festivities "Winchester promises a fun-packed Christmas focussed on family entertainment. The ice rink looks like it is going to be a real hit with locals and visitors," said Mr Love.

Already tickets for skating on Christmas Eve are close to selling out. Around 10,000 tickets have been sold for the attraction which will remain until January 7.

The Christmas market, which has around 40 stalls including one by Belarussian nuns, who heard about it on the Internet, will operate until December 10.