SNOOKER star Shaun Murphy was on cue as he officially opened Whalley Pickwick Festival.

The 2005 world snooker champion was in Whalley in his role as an ambassador for the Paul Hunter Foundation.

The charity set up by Masters champion Paul Hunter, shortly before he lost his cancer battle, aims are to provide free snooker for youngsters.

Shaun switched on the Christmas lights at two houses in Limefield Avenue.

Norman and Christine Atty, who will have run The Dog Inn, Whalley for 20 years next April, officially opened the event.

Now in its 23rd year, the village was once more transformed into a Dickensian playground with gifts and foods on sale.

There were also choirs and music throughout the evening including local rock group, Revisit and a guitarist Reece.