ST Annes Square was left in darkness at Saturday night's Christmas illuminations switch-on as organisers had no lights to switch on!

Despite the pressing of a giant button, onlookers were surprised to see just 50 or so lights on the nearby Christmas tree spark into life -- leaving the rest of the square in darkness.

But it wasn't bad wiring or a blown fuse, it was problems with contractors and suppliers that led to the lack of lighting.

The switch-on ceremony at 4pm was attended by Mayor and Mayoress of the Fylde, Coun and Mrs Paul Hayhurst and the button was pressed by pub mascot Brewster the Bear and St Annes Carnival Queen Lindsey Smith, pictured.

Co-ordinator of the St Annes Chamber of Trade, Arnold Sumner, who was involved in the organisation of the ceremony, said the day was a great success, despite the lack of lights.

"It was a fantastic, wonderful day," he said. "We had entertainment all afternoon including the George Formby Society, the Salvation Army band and Lytham St Annes High School band. "The only small problem we had was that the contractors had some difficulty getting hold of vital components and so we were unable to put up the lights throughout the whole square.

"It was not the fault of Fylde Borough Council," he added.

But he went on to say that by the time The Citizen hits the streets the Square should be aglow with lights adorning the tops of the dome shelters that now occupy one part of the Square.

Simon Kularatne, deputy director of tourism and leisure for Fylde Borough Council, said: "The contractors had problems with their suppliers."

This was yet another setback for St Annes Square which has been plagued by problems since re-development work began in February this year.

In July we reported how shop owners were furious about the massive disruption building work in the Square was causing, many businesses claiming it had cost them thousands of pounds in lost revenue.