THOUSANDS of shoppers crowded into Bury's Mill Gate centre at the weekend for the Christmas lights switch-on.

Well-known entertainer Frank "Foo Foo" Lammar performed the honour - throwing the switch to light up the Mill Gate.

Other guests were the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillor John and Mrs Anne Costello.

Centre bosses reckon around 20,000 visitors swelled Mill Gate to mark the occasion, the first in a series of Sunday openings in the run-up to Christmas.

The switch-on was the main highlight of the day which also included several fun-filled attractions. Children's entertainers, a human Christmas tree and Eli the talking, walking hillbilly bear thrilled the crowds.

And Father Christmas greeted shoppers before taking up residence in his grotto.

Tottington Band provided musical entertainment as shoppers milled about the centre to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Mr Colin Nichol, Mill Gate manager, was delighted at the turn-out. He said: "The whole centre buzzed and we were absolutely delighted with the way things went. It was just fabulous."

Pictured meeting Woody the clown and Oscar the puppet are, left, Natasha Hurn (10) of Laurel Street, and Laura Heap (7) of Pine Street, both Bury.

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