THE skies above Blackburn town centre were last night illuminated with tracers and shooting stars as the annual Christmas firework display took place in the cathedral grounds.

Thousands of late night shoppers and visitors crowded into Darwen Street, which was closed to traffic, at 6.30pm as the first firework was lit.

The spectacular shopping centre display was launched by Philip Sellars, 7. He won the competition, run by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in conjunction with Ainsworth Jewellers, to set off the fireworks.

Philip, who celebrates his birthday on Christmas Day, was also presented with a watch from Ainsworths Jewellers.

As the firework display finished, crowds packed into Blackburn Cathedral for the Evening Telegraph Christmas carol concert.

The service, which included music from the cathedral choir and Blackburn Salvation Army Band, was taken by Canon David Galilee.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillors John and Sheila Williams, attended the event and a collection was taken for the Mayor's Christmas Appeal.