AROUND 4,000 people helped to kick-start Christmas in Great Harwood last Friday when they attended the second annual Winter Warmer aimed at putting the town on the map.

The event proved to be another huge success and many stores remained open afterwards for late-night shoppers.

A torchlight procession involving more than 100 people stretched from Glebe Street to the library and the festive lights in Town Hall Square were then switched on followed by carol singing.

Roads were closed to make way for a wide range of stalls, games and entertainment including a children's fancy dress competition.

Earlier this year the future of the Winter Warmer looked bleak but members of the community pulled together to ensure it went ahead.

Assistant event organiser Barbara Sharples said: "The weather was good, we were very lucky.

"We had some worrying moments when we didn't get any grants but two weeks before the event it all started to come together.

"A lot of visitors came to the town and we would like to thank all the shop-owners who stayed open and everyone else who helped to make the evening such a success.

"It is all about a showpiece for Great Harwood and helping to put it on the map. We hope it will encourage people to come back to the town before Christmas to see what it has to offer and to spend some money in our shops."

Barbara will now be stepping down from the organisating committee and urged members of the community to get together early to plan the Winter Warmer for 2007.

She added: "We are still collecting money from the night but we would like to thank everyone who took part. It was a great night and we all thoroughly enjoyed it."

Staff at Eyes of Harwood raised £83 for the Accrington Blind Society by wearing fancy dress, holding a raffle and selling home-made cakes.

The best-dressed Christmas window competition was also launched on the night and local residents can vote for their favourite.

The closing date is Monday 11 December and judging will take place the following day, followed by a presentation of the £100 prize donated by Danley Engineering Services.

Councillor Lynn Wilson said: "This is a great competition. A lot of hard work goes into the displays and they really add to the festive feel in Great Harwood each year."

Nomination forms can be found in most shops.