Christmas festivities burst into life last night with fireworks, singing, laughter -- and an appearance by up-and-coming girl group Bliss.

Alongside carol singing and blessing of the nativity crib outside Accrington town hall, Padiham three-piece Bliss belted out songs and pushed down the plunger to turn the town into a dazzling array of lights.

The girl popsters' are set to support chart-topping Steps this weekend and their appearance showed a deliberate effort by organisers of the festive launch to try and cater for the town's younger shoppers.

Bliss member Marie Atkinson said: "We love doing things like this because we get change to be closer with our fans. There was a great atmosphere."

The switch-on is one of a number the group are doing . They have already lit up Leicester and next week they cross the Irish Sea to do the same in Derry and Belfast.

"Tonight has been the best so far," added Marie. After the girls had set off the festive fairylights, which will shine right until Accrington hosts its annual new year fair in January, crowds watched in awe as an impressive firework display lit the sky from the town's Arndale Centre.

From now until Christmas, shops in Accrington will open until 9pm on Thursday evenings and from 10-4pm on Sundays.

David Almond, from the borough's leisure services department, said: "We are delighted Bliss could be here tonight. We have gone for the old and the new this year to attract younger shoppers and it has worked really well."

Picture: Bliss, from the left, Laura Heyworth, Abigail Jackson and Marie Atkinson join Hyndburn Mayor and Mayoress Douglas and Sandra Heyes for the switch-on