CORONATION Street star Alan Halsall enjoyed all the festive fun of a traditional Christmas fair.

Alan, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the hit ITV soap, left the cobbles to open St Bede Parish Church's seasonal event – which this year attracted record crowds.

The actor was invited to enjoy the festivities at the Morris Green church by the Rev Malcolm Bristow, who met him at the gala dinner at this year's Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Mr Bristow said: "I asked him if he would attend and Alan said yes, but wouldn't be able to let me know until the last minute because of filming schedules.

"We only found out on Tuesday he was able to make it. We put it out on social media and on the church website and we have never had so many people at a Christmas fair.

"We are very blessed that he could come — he was a huge hit with the children.

"Everybody wanted his photograph, there were so many selfies. He certainly brought the crowds in – he really is a nice guy."

The choir of St Bede's CE Academy shared the stage with Alan to officially open the Christmas fair.

Mr Bristow said: "The choir was fantastic as usual, they got a rapturous round of applause."

He added: "This is the third year we have held the fair in the church to show it is not just for the worship but also for community events.

"The church should be the hub of the community and for people of all faiths and none."

Visitors enjoyed fun and games as well as plenty to eat and a chance to meet Father Christmas himself.

Mr Bristow said: "The atmosphere was electric.

"We do not know how much we have raised yet, but it should be a good amount."