TV chef cooks up festive spirit at Clitheroe Christmas lights switch-on (From This Is Lancashire)

TV chef cooks up festive spirit at Clitheroe Christmas lights switch-on

11:10am Wednesday 2nd December 2009 in

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DOZENS of people lined the grounds of Clitheroe Castle for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

After an enthusiastic countdown from the crowd, celebrity chef Nigel Haworth flicked the switch at 5pm on Tuesday.

But because of an electrical fault, initially only the Christmas tree and castle lights lit up, with the rest following later in the evening.

Speaking afterwards, Nigel said: “It has been a great night, but I was expecting a few more lights to come on.

“I wish all the people of Clitheroe the best and I hope that Christmas will bring a bit of copper into the till of local businesses.”

As the lights twinkled in the night sky the crowds were treated to complimentary mince pies.

Prior to the main switch-on the Michelin star chef, who runs Northcote, in Langho, toured Clitheroe market stalls, chatted to local food producers, tasted their festive fayre, and then turned on the market's Christmas lights.

Clitheroe resident Julie Johnson said: “It was great for Clitheroe and it was nice people were supporting local businesses.”