BOB the Builder attracted so many people into Burnley town centre for the Christmas lights switch on that it was frightening a councillor has claimed.

Coun John Lloyd asked for more stewards to be provided at next year's event.

He said: "A lot of children were pushed, shoved and kicked. There were not enough stewards and a lot of people were quite frightened. We need more stewards there next year."

The council meeting was also told that because of the crush many could not see Bob the Builder and his helper Wendy.

Executive member for the town centre Gordon Birtwistle said the lights switch on was a great success with Bob the Builder, Wendy and the Mayor, Coun Jack Alston, providing an immense attraction.

He said: "They walked through the town centre to the bandstand, there were literally thousands and thousands of people. "It is unfortunate that the bandstand is not very high but it is the only real area in the town centre we can use for something like this."

Coun Birtwistle said there were "quite a lot" of police and stewards on duty. they would take the comments on board when making arrangements for the event next year.