A LAST minute switch of Corrie stars failed to dim the spirit as more than a thousand people turned out for Darwen's annual Christmas lights switch on.

Actor Simon Gregson, aka Coronation Street's Steve McDonald, pulled out at the eleventh hour due to "a prior engagement" with new fiancee Emma Gleave.

But Scott Kingston, who played stripper Sam Kingston in the soap, proved a hit replacement as he signed autographs and turned on the lights with the help of young tumour patient Madison Allan who joined him in aid of a £1m new high-tech scanner at Manchester Children's Hospital where she is treated.

Madison, of Lord's Crescent, Lower Darwen, was diagnosed with a large tumour but earlier this year, following chemotherapy and a six-week stint in hospital, the two-year-old's family received the good news that the tumour had started to shrink.

And there was more good news on the day with Stephen Anderson, spokesman for the The Five Star Scanner Appeal confirming that the lights ceremony had raised another £3,000 for the charity, meaning the total raised by the people of Darwen now stands at £10,000.

Scott, about to star in Channel 4 drama Shameless, said "It is the first time I have been to Darwen but it has been great, what a fantastic atmosphere."

He was joined by Rawtenstall-based actor Jack Marsden who recreated his role as PC Danny Rylance in BBC 2 drama Cops by posing with Darwen Police.

Madison's proud mum, Samantha said: "It's great so much has been raised. "Madison really enjoyed it and it is something in years to come she can look back on."

The switch-on was the climax to events which included a nativity procession around the town.