MORE than 300 people attended the switching on of Christmas lights in Whitworth on Sunday.

Special guests Scarlet O’Leary, 4, and Jessica Smith, 9, helped the town’s Mayor, Councillor David Barnes flick the light on the night.

Scarlet, from St John with St Michael Primary School and Jessica, from St Bartholomew’s Primary School, won a colouring competition to help out with the event.

Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Brass Band played a selection of festive tunes and even gave an impromtu comedy performance to keep the crowd entertained.

Speaking after the event, Councillor Barnes thanked those who organised the event.

He said: “The Mayoress and I had a wonderful evening and it really marked the start of the festive season for us. Many congratulations to Scarlet and Jessica, whose pictures were beautifully produced, and thanks to all who helped to make the event so special, especially the staff at the Riverside and Rossendale Council, the Youth Band, the Whitworth Tourism and Leisure Committee and Karen Douglas, our town clerk.”