PARTY fever gripped Burnley as thousands gathered to banish the November blues and kickstart the town's countdown to Christmas tonight.

Granada TV star Paul Crone, aided by star-for-the-day Ellie Wilson, aged eight, from Nelson, sank the plunger to bathe St James Street, Charter Walk and beyond in a festive glow.

The youngster shared the switch-on honours with the TV favourite after winning a colouring competition, run by Charter Walk shopping centre.

She told competition organisers that she wanted to meet Santa "to tell him we've moved house", clinching a family trip to Lapland and guest-of-honour status for the switch-on show.

Veteran presenter Crone had earlier joined volunteers from the Rotary Club of Padiham as they undertook a charity collection in the town centre, alongside Santa Claus.

The build-up to the main event began as early as 3pm, with Thwaites' brewery shire horses and Burnley Hospital Radio, Burnley Silver Alliance Band and wacky mobile piano act Musical Ruth to be found around town.

Mayor of Burnley Coun Peter McCann officially welcomed the yuletide crowds and warming up the crowds on the St James Street bandstand's main stage later were stilt walkers, Shelles Belles cheerleaders, Burnley Youth Theatre, BASICS and It's My Party.

The lights arrival was greeted by a massive fireworks display - rounding off the first joint borough council and traders festive parade.

Farida Ahmed, the council's property consultancy head, said: "This has been a real partnership effort and should help start the Christmas shopping season in style."

  • Click on the link below for our photo gallery from the event.