Patients, staff and school children joined in Christmas carols, before being entertained by 1980s band Black Lace, at the switch-on of the Christmas lights at Bradford Royal Infirmary yesterday.

Father Christmas also made an appearance by arriving on a specially-designed motorised sledge and bring gifts to the children.

The choir of The Girls’ Grammar School, Bradford, sang the traditional Winds Through The Olive Trees and a rock version of Not So Silent Night, while Black Lace performed their famous hit Agadoo. They also gave a rendition of their 2009 version of “The Music Man”, due for release on Monday, with proceeds going to Children In Need Bradford Teaching Hospitals chief executive, Miles Scott, said: “Both hospitals really get into the Christmas spirit and it’s lovely to see the festive decorations going up around the wards as we approach this special season.

“Ceremonies like the Christmas lights and carol services make us appreciate and celebrate the great relationship that both hospitals have within the local community.”