THE Christmas season officially got underway on Saturday as Barrhead became a Winter Wonderland.

Organisers All About Barrhead (Barrhead BID) pulled out all the stops to ensure the community had a jolly time, with a Santa Express train delivering the man himself at the beginning of the event.

Partygoers were then able to take trips on the lively locomotive as it travelled to and from the Foundry, where a festive funfair and Christmas market offered up plenty to keep kids of all ages occupied.

Shortly before 5.30pm, seven-year-old Maisie Hulme was announced as the winner of the Christmas card design competition.

Her drawing of the puppy she hopes Santa will bring her for Christmas won her the prize of a VIP Winter Wonderland experience, which saw her being brought on stage to press the big green button that launched the event’s amazing fireworks finale.