Christmas celebrations began early in Glazebury when the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Ted Lafferty, kicked off the festivities and launched Bents Garden Centre's commitment to the Kirsty Millennium Appeal.

All fund-raising events held at the centre next year will be dedicated to Kirsty Howard's appeal to raise £5 million for Francis House Children's Hospice -- and the Christmas opening event marked the start of Bents own campaign.

Matthew Bent said: "Kirsty is known as the Little Angel and we were hoping she would be able to join us to help raise the Christmas star. Unfortunately, she couldn't make it.

"We are committed to her appeal, which is doing a fantastic job in raising money for Francis House Hospice."

There will also be lots going on at Bents in the run up to Christmas. Children can book a place to have tea or breakfast with Santa and next month sees the start of Wednesday evening craft demonstrations plus music, hot punch and mince pies to raise funds for the Kirsty Appeal.

To add to the Christmas appeal the centre's Fresh Approach Restaurant and Evening Brasserie will be serving freshly prepared Christmas lunches and dinners.