CHURCH bells, laser lights, fireworks and a town crier announced the beginning of the festive season in Leigh.

And the nation's top comedian Ken Dodd once again did the honours at Leigh Town Hall turning on an amazing light display last Thursday night.

Doddy lit-up Leigh before thousands of cheering locals and then the the focus turned to latest addition to a select band when Rugby League legend Alex Murphy was made an Honorary Leyther and a bevy of deserving award winners received their prizes at a presentation in the council chamber.

The fun began with entertainment jointly arranged by Leigh Town Centre Management Group in partnership with Spinning Gate and Santa in a horse-drawn sleigh led a parade from Spinning Gate to the Town Hall.

At a reception attended by VIPs, they saw the Leigh Centurions Director of Football inducted as an Honorary Leyther by Leigh Town Centre Management Group leader Cllr Brian Jarvis.

Pride of Leigh Awards sponsored by Leigh Town Centre Management Group and Bridgewater Business Park went to:

Best overall performance by an organisation or department -- Wigan Borough Land and Property

Individual Achievement -- GMP Sgt Debbie Barlow

Best public transport operator -- Jim Stones

Spirit of Leigh (outstanding community work) - Leigh Carnival Committee

Journal Young Citizen of the Year -- Elizabeth Speers

Cllr Jarvis presented a retirement gift adorned with the Leigh coat of arms in recognition of ex-Supt Mary Boylan's service which was received by Ch. Supt Ian Harrison on her behalf.