A LITTLE girl's shining eyes said all there is to say about the magic of Christmas when she helped to turn on the festive lights in Burnley Centre.

Seven-year-old Samantha Trundle became Santa's little helper for the special occasion.

The night was bitterly cold, but she baked in a warm glow.

Samantha, of Disraeli Street, Burnley, has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair.

Her dad, Gary, carried her up the steps at the bandstand for the night her family will remember for years to come.

The crowds who braved the weather were treated to fun and pop music and lovely traditional Christmas carols from Towneley High School band and Casterton County Primary School choir.

In Pendle, the festive season was launched with the promise of Christmas fun yet to come.

For kiddies who can't wait there is a chance to see Santa every day between 10am and 4pm in the indoor market.

In Colne next Saturday, December 14, Nelson Civic Junior Choir will be entertaining shoppers during the morning and the following week, December 21, there are trips down memory lane with horse and carriage rides.

Free sherry and mince pies and balloons will be available on both days in the indoor market and traders in seasonal fancy dress will add to the festive spirit.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.