Rak Su turn on West Bromwich's Christmas lights

Former X Factor winners Rak-Su took to the stage in Sandwell to switch a town's Christmas lights on.

Crowds of people gathered as festive colours illuminated West Bromwich after the boy band did the honours – despite being one member short.

Myles Stephenson, who is in the Australian jungle for I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, was forced to pull out of the show.

But other members of the four-piece band – Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland, and Mustafa Rahimtulla – all turned out.

Rak-Su, who claimed the X Factor title in 2017, were joined by students from Sandwell College, Danceqube and Wounded Spirit as part of the event.

It was organised by West Bromwich Business Improvement District (BID) in a way to encourage people to come into the town.

Lisa Hill, operations manager at the BID, said: "It went really really well.

"It was probably the best lights switch-on event we've done – and it was probably the best turnout we've had over the last five years of doing it.

"It was bitterly cold but the atmosphere from the people in the crowd was lovely and I hope everyone enjoyed it."

Face painting and characters, which youngsters could have selfies with, were also on offer.

The event marked the fifth year – with more than 1,000 people attending last year.

It took place from 4.30pm to 7pm at the top end of the town's High Street and is the BID's biggest event of the year.