TV STARS and Lancashire pride came together as a town turned on its Christmas lights.

Up to 10,000 people packed into Nelson as it hosted a Lancashire Day and Christmas lights switch on celebration.

To mark this year's switch on the town played host to performances from Ella Shaw, Gabz and Mr Zip from Britain’s Got Talent and Brooke Layla from The Kids Voice.

Cllr Zafar Ali, chairman of Nelson Town Council which organised the event, said: "It has been a fantastic success. People were really pleased with what they saw. It's been an enjoyable day all round. It just gets bigger and better every year.

"It was all organised by Nelson Town Council. The idea is to not only bring the community together but to bring people into the town centre to get it thriving and boost the local businesses. I think we have achieved that."

Among the pre-switch on entertainment was Nelson Brass Band, Phil Knight and Friends singing traditional Lancashire Folk song, local band The Dirty Suns and the Barrowford St Thomas school choir.

There were also stalls offering traditional Lancashire food, free funfair rides, free facepainting and Henna tattoos, a mini train ride, games and a birds of prey demonstration.

A student from Barrowford St Thomas Primary School officially turned on the lights.

Cathy Fulton, who attended the event with her five grandchildren, said: "I think it was absolutely fantastic. I brought five of my grandchildren and they have really enjoyed themselves.

"Events like this are what Nelson needs. It was also good to see people celebrating Lancashire Day."

Another resident said: "It what great to see so many people in Nelson town centre. Hopefully they will come back, support the local businesses and put money back into the town."