FAMILIES embraced the cold winter conditions as Accrington hosted big Christmas weekend.

With the centrepiece of an ice rink, the town hosted a Dickensian market, facepainting, craft workshops, food and drink stalls, fairground rides and more during the three-day event.

There were also a visit from Princess Belle, as well as a parade led by Accrington Pipe Band youngest member and drummer - eight-year-old Harrison.

Speaking from the event, newly-elected Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe, who was due to travel down to London yesterday for her first Westminster appearance today, said: “It’s great to see events like this put on in the town. The community comes out and supports them time and time again and that is great to see. Anything that helps attract people to the town and hopefully supports businesses in the town can only be seen as a good thing."