Things can seem a little depressing at the moment.

It's dark just after 4pm in the afternoon, and we're in yet another lockdown.

But town centres and businesses in Richmond are still putting up their Christmas lights to spread a little cheer in the community.

Due to lockdown restrictions, there are no switch-on events this year, and people should not gather to see them, but you will be able to watch the switching-on ceremony for Richmond town centre online in the comfort of your own home.

You can also see the santas and reindeer in your nearest high street:

Twickenham – The Mayor switched on the lights over the weekend of November 14

Richmond – There will be an online event residents can livestream on November 26 from 6pm

Whitton – Lights switch on November 27 with the first Festive Friday from December 4

East Sheen – A tree will be in place by November 30 with lights above the shops

Teddington – Lights will be turned on from December 3

East Twickenham – Lights will be turned on from December 4

Barnes – A Christmas Festival is planned December 11 from 5-8pm, but this is to be confirmed depending on any restrictions that may be in place

Hampton – Lights will be switched on above their shops soon

The borough's young artists are also encouraged to help design the Mayor and Council Leader's Christmas cards this year.

The Christmas cards will be sent to many organisations, businesses and charities that the Council and Mayor has worked with throughout the year.

There will be three winners and runners up selected for each. The winning entry will have their design featured on the cards, with the runners up printed on the back. Winners will receive an artistic prize.

Art submissions can be by children aged 5 to 11 years, who live or go to school in the borough. Entries must be an original image in A5 format (just fold an A4 sheet in half), and should be created using colours, with no glitter or stuck on materials.

Designs should be submitted to: Mayor's Christmas Card Competition, Mayor's Office, York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3AA. Or email to [email protected] by 5pm Friday November 20, 2020.

Entries must include the entrants name, age, phone number, address and school on the reverse of the design.