A CROWD of hundreds thronged Preston's Flag Market to witness the town's most spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-on ever.

They were treated to an amazing laser show which lit up the sky and scribbled dancing patterns across nearby buildings.

Wolf, from the TV series Gladiators, plunged the mock detonator to illuminate the strings of fairy lights lining the streets.

The popular hard man thrilled the hordes of young fans who had waited patiently to see their hero, some carrying home-made banners, and organised a noisy count-down to the switch-on.

He was joined on stage by the cast of Hard Times.

The lavish show cost £40,000, which was split equally between Preston Borough Council and Telewest Communications.

The town was promised a grand event to compensate for the cancellation of the traditional Torchlight Procession.

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