DESPITE the wind and the rain hundreds of people turned out to mark the 25th Whalley Pickwick Night.

Whalley soap star Malcolm Hebden kicked off last night’s festivities which saw the village transported back to the 19th Century.

Malcolm, best known for his role as Norris Cole in the ITV soap, was joined by hundreds who enjoyed live acts, children’s entertainment including Punch and Judy, more than 35 stalls and a glow jugglers and a ‘Jolly Jester’.

The evening, which was held from 6pm to 9pm, was also opened by David Moretta from Ribchester, a former soldier who recently completed 18 marathons in 18 days.

Click here to view the Pickwick Night 2013 picture gallery