DOZENS turned out for the Christmas lights switch-on in Clayton-le-Moors last night.

Almost 200 people packed Barnes Square for the occasion.

Hyndburn Mayor Munsif Dad flicked the switch to officially start the festive season in the town.

Father Derek McCartney, of St Mary RC Church on Devonshire Drive, blessed the crib and the crowd.

Hyndburn borough leader Miles Parkinson stood in for Clayton councillor Nick Collingridge, just out of hospital as Master of Ceremonies.

Shops and business around Barnes Square were lit and decorated as the lights on the living Christmas fir tree in the centre blazed out for the first time this festive season.

Cllr Parkinson said: “For the first time for a few years it was mild and dry and we had a bigger turnout than usual –- almost 200.

“Everyone had done their bit to make the square look a festive and the children from Mount Pleasant County Primary School sang carols.

I finished the night off with a bag of chips.”