ST ALBANS paid tribute to the victims of the Paris terror attacks with a moment’s silence before the city’s Christmas lights were switched on.

Hundreds lined St Peter’s Street to watch the town's Christmas lights switch on last Sunday.

Live music and performances ran through the afternoon while food and gift stalls, seasonal refreshments and a fun fair entertained the younger members of the audience.

The mayor, Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, called a moment’s silence in remembrance of the victims of the terror attack in Paris.

He said: “The city flag flying on the Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast today due to the incident in France.

“I hope you will join me in a moment’s silence. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives and those left injured in Paris.”

The cast of the St Albans Arena pantomime then took to the stage as the countdown for the switch on began.

This year’s performance of Peter Pan includes EastEnders star Jake Wood - also known as Max Branning – who will be playing the villainous Captain Hook.

Mr Wood said: “This is the first pantomime I’ve been involved in. I’m very happy that it’s here in St Albans, I love being in St Albans so it’s brilliant.

“I’ve been playing Max Branning in EastEnders for nine years, he’s quite a baddy, so I think I’ve had some good practice – I should be able to do it justice.”

He was joined by his pantomime co-stars, Santa and the mayor of St Albans City and District for the switch on.

After the lights, Mr Wood made his way through the crowd giving out freebies, signing autographs and posing for photographs.