WINGED denizens of the sky and beyond landed in St Helens on Friday ­— celebrating the launch of the sixth successive Village of Angels event.

Awash in a flashmob of makeshift angels fashioned by local residents ­— to raise money for St Helens Primary School ­— the town married the occasion with the switching on of St Helens Christmas lights.

Imaginative creations have been posted all over the village, original and eye-catching, made up of recycled materials wherever possible ­— the likes of newspapers and glass bottles.

Visitors can pay a visit to the angels over the Christmas period, and pick up a map — readily available in the village — to aid in spotting them all.

The launch of the event coincided with a Christmas Fayre in the Pavilion on the Green, complete with musical entertainment.

Judging of the angels will take place on Wednesday, December 11, and this year, organisers are offering prizes for the best angels ­— with first place winning £50.