BOB the Builder and his assistant Wendy lit up the lives of Burnley children last night when they switched on the town's Christmas lights.

After two number one singles and a chart-topping album, Bob has quickly become Britain's number one celebrity.

He had to fight his way through the throngs of eager children and parents who had braved the cold to see their hero, but Bob finally made it on to the bandstand, flanked by a team of crack security guards.

A rendition of everyone's favourite hit record Can He Fix It had every child in the crowd shouting their lungs out and Wendy dancing with Burnley's Mayor Jack Alston. Then Bob finally pulled the switch.

As soon as he did, a spectacular three-minute firework display lit up the night sky. After fighting his way back through the crowds, Bob took time out to talk to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. He said: "I want to thank all my fans for turning up and making this a very special night.

"Merry Christmas everyone!"

Music for the switch-on was provided by live bands. Displays by the Brunshaw Twirlers and Harlequin dancing teams, plus a fire-eater and stilt walkers, kept the crowds entertained. St Peter's choir also sang a selection of Christmas carols.

There was also a special visit by Father Christmas.

Coun Alston said: "Burnley is buzzing at the moment. We have a new bus station on the way, Bob the Builder is here and our football club are sitting proudly on top of the First Division."

The switch-on marks the beginning of of late night town centre shopping in Burnley on Thursdays, with stores staying open until 9pm up to Christmas.

Shops are also open on Sundays from 11am-4pm. giving lots of opportunity for seven-day-a-week Christmas shopping.

The Christmas lights events was sponsored by the Charter Walk shopping centre and supported by the Town Centre Partnership.