THE stars came out in Accrington as over 2,000 people flocked to the town centre for the annual Christmas lights switch-on, heralding the start of late-night shopping.

Children's TV presenter and panto star, Leigh Morrison, and Accrington Stanley defender, Jonathan Smith, were among the special guests at the event.

Crowds stretched back from the Town Hall to Broadway and Union Street. The lights were switched on by Hyndburn's Mayor, Councillor Win Frankland, with the help of Leigh.

Local bands Tatters and 4Play took to the stage and the evening was rounded off with a giant fireworks display from the roof of the Arndale Centre.

Cabinet portfolio holder for leisure, Councillor Brian Walmsley, said: "It was a great event this year with well over 2,000 people in Accrington town centre. We did have some rain on the night but it didn't appear to dampen anyone's spirits. And the fireworks spectacular at the end of the night was a wonderful finale to a fabulous event.

"The switch-on will be followed by entertainment in the town centre every weekend in the run-up to Christmas."