A SPECTACULAR firework display lit up the sky over Darwen at this year's Christmas lights switch-on. Hundreds gathered at The Circus for the official launch of the new white and blue lights around the town hall and markets and on the town's Christmas tree.

The responsibility of pulling the lever fell to Coronation Street's Julie Hesmondhalgh, whose father worked in the town, and teenagers Michelle Humphreys and Emma and Tammy Wilson, who helped rescue an old man from a house fire last month.

The day began with a lantern parade and donkey-led Nativity procession, with singing from youngsters of St Edward's and Holy Trinity Primary Schools.