HUNDREDS of people descended on Padiham as the town kicked off its Christmas celebrations in style.

Last night the streets were awash with colour as the annual lantern festival and Christmas lights switch-on were held.

Young and old turned out in force for the fun which began with the lantern procession.

The procession set off from Padiham FC and made its way through the town before finishing at the town hall.

Over the last couple of weeks youngsters from Padiham, Hapton and Read had made lanterns at a number of workshops and their efforts went on display following the procession.

Following the event there was the grand switch-on of the lights by the Mayor of Padiham, Alan Ravenscroft.

This year £6,000 has been spent on new decorations on lampposts through the town, Christmas trees as well as the traditional crib.

There was also a Christmas market inside the town hall featuring more than 30 stalls and a funfair.

"The evening culminated in a firework display.