BLACKBURN did its bit to ensure the Christmas period began with a flurry of light and sound.

Around 2,000 gathered around the grounds of the cathedral as £7,000 worth of spectacular fireworks lit up the sky.

Then the cathedral was full for the annual Lancashire Telegraph carol service.

Blackburn town centre partnership organised the display - the 12th in a row.

The partnership's Phil Ainsworth said: "This is to thank all those who shop in Blackburn and continue to give us their support."

Over 2,000 fireworks ranging from extravagant Catherine wheels to screaming rockets were let off, accompanied by festive tunes from the likes of Mariah Carey and Bruce Springsteen.

The highlight was a £700 Flying Pigeon squib which darted between trees.

The carol service was led by Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, while the Salvation Army band provided music and Blackburn Cathedral Choir led the singing.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Dorothy Walsh, said: "The fact so many people are here shows what great community spirit we have."

Hansa Cannon, 42, attended with son Dave, seven, and her mum Manjula Shukla, 69, from Audley Range, Blackburn.

She said: "It was brilliant. My son really enjoyed all the fireworks and different colours."