A SACK full of community spirit and an appearance from the man in red helped to make Golborne's seasonal Christmas light switch-on a memorable event for everyone.

Father Christmas parked his sleigh at Peter Kane Square on Friday and joined in the fun when he had his picture taken with youngsters and sang along with the carols.

The music was lead by Greenalls Brass Band from Haydock and all the classic Christmas carols were sung with gusto by the happy throng.

Students from Golborne High School and Lowton Community Sports College flicked the switch to turn on the festive lights that began the town's merry celebrations.

Sam Campbell, aged 15, head girl at Golborne High, said: "It was good because lots of people came out to celebrate.

"We got a great response from everyone."

And Simone Turner, aged 15, and Michael Lea, aged 16, from Lowton Community Sports College, said that it was a great honour to be asked to switch on the lights and represent their school.

Janine Morton, of the Golborne Township Partnership, said: "It's been great. There has been a lot of community spirit which is just what we need!"

The fun will continue at Peter Kane Square and in Heath Methodists Church Hall on Saturday, December 13, from 3.30pm until 6pm.

Children will get the chance to have red noses just like Rudolf with face painting available and Father Christmas is promising to make another star turn.