COMEDIAN and entertainer Ken Dodd returned to Leigh last night to turn on the town's Christmas lights -- for the fourth successive year.

The star entertained the crowds with a mass sing-a-long as the lights were switched on outside the town hall.

Scouser Doddy who was also made an honorary citizen of Leigh when he was presented with a framed certificate by the town centre champion, Cllr Brian Jarvis.

Cllr Jarvis said: "He really does love coming to Leigh and we've shown our gratitude by making him an honorary 'Leyther'."

More money has been provided for the town's illuminations and even better Christmas shopping is being promised with the Spinning Gate shopping centre's new extension.

Late night trading starts on Thursday with some stores opening until 8pm, and Sunday trading will begin this weekend.